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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

abstruse

IPA:

How to pronounce abstruse (audio)

Dictionary definition of abstruse

Extremely difficult to understand, often due to its complex, intricate, or deeply intellectual nature.
"The company's technical manual was filled with abstruse jargon."

Detailed meaning of abstruse

When a subject, concept, or piece of writing is labeled as abstruse, it implies that it requires a high level of comprehension, specialized knowledge, or intellectual effort to fully grasp its meaning. This term emphasizes the depth of complexity and the potential for confusion or bafflement that can arise when attempting to comprehend such intricate matters. "Abstruse" content challenges individuals to engage in concentrated thought and analysis, as it delves into profound or esoteric ideas that may be beyond the scope of everyday understanding. In academic or philosophical contexts, the concept of "abstruse" underscores the pursuit of knowledge and insight that often demands a dedicated and thoughtful approach.

Example sentences containing abstruse

1. The lecture delved into abstruse theories that left most of the audience confused.
2. She wrote a paper on the abstruse topic of quantum physics for her final project.
3. The poet's abstruse language made his work both intriguing and challenging to read.
4. The book explored abstruse concepts in philosophy that required careful study.
5. Many people find the abstruse subject of advanced mathematics daunting to grasp.
6. His painting style was abstruse, filled with complex symbolism and abstract forms.

History and etymology of abstruse

The adjective 'abstruse' has an etymology that leads us to its Latin predecessor, 'abstrusus.' This Latin term is derived from 'abstrudere,' where 'ab' means 'away from,' and 'strudere' means 'to thrust' or 'to construct.' Therefore, when we explore the etymology of 'abstruse,' we find it rooted in the idea of something being hidden away or concealed from easy understanding. Over time, it has come to describe things that are extremely difficult to comprehend, often due to their complex, intricate, or deeply intellectual nature. This etymological connection underscores the idea that 'abstruse' pertains to concepts or subjects that require considerable effort to grasp, as if they were deliberately hidden or obscure.

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Further usage examples of abstruse

1. The scientists discussed an abstruse hypothesis that had yet to be proven.
2. The manuscript was filled with abstruse terminology that required clarification.
3. Some ancient texts contain abstruse ideas that modern scholars still debate.
4. His abstruse argument was lost on the general public but praised in academic circles.
5. She tackled abstruse legal issues that had stumped even experienced lawyers.
6. His jokes were abstruse, often requiring a background in literature to understand.
7. The team was struggling to decipher the abstruse code left by their predecessor.
8. Their discussion veered into abstruse territory, confusing the less informed.
9. The philosopher's abstruse writings were studied mostly by dedicated scholars.
10. The composer's work was abstruse but groundbreaking, earning critical acclaim.
11. She was adept at explaining abstruse subjects in a manner anyone could understand.
12. The movie had an abstruse plot, leaving many viewers puzzled but fascinated.
13. Understanding the abstruse mechanics of black holes requires specialized knowledge.
14. The software's abstruse interface deterred many users from taking full advantage.
15. The committee pondered an abstruse question that had moral and ethical dimensions.
16. The novel featured abstruse themes that required thoughtful interpretation.
17. In art school, she specialized in abstruse forms of mixed-media installations.
18. The speaker covered abstruse economic theories in an engaging way.
19. He had a knack for simplifying abstruse concepts through clever analogies.
20. The abstruse calculations were beyond the grasp of the average student.
21. The ancient scroll contained abstruse prophecies that puzzled historians.
22. She relished the challenge of solving abstruse mathematical problems.
23. His abstruse dissertation was highly regarded within his narrow field of study.
24. The artist was known for her abstruse sculptures that puzzled yet captivated.

GRE 9 (Graduate Record Examination), Complexity and Intricacy, Adversity and Obstacle, Unclear and Uncertain

abstract,ambiguous,concealed,confusing,mysterious,obscure,puzzling,subtle,unclear,vague

obscure, clear, simple, straightforward

eb68db_ddb0f779cf7d4d72b09516d1fe7a1328.mp3

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