obscurity
The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant; or, the quality of being difficult to understand.
In the context of fame, obscurity is the opposite of celebrity. It is the quiet, shadow-filled space where ordinary people live, far from the public eye.
Word relationships
- anonymity: Anonymity is having your identity hidden (often intentionally), while obscurity is simply being unknown or forgotten by the world.
- insignificance: Insignificance means lacking power or importance, whereas obscurity focuses on lacking public recognition.
- fame: The state of being widely known and talked about by many people.
- prominence: The state of being highly visible and socially important.
Commonly confused with
- oblivion: Oblivion is the state of being completely forgotten or destroyed; obscurity is just being unknown or hard to see.
Word family
- obscure (adjective/verb): Not discovered or known; or, to keep from being seen.
- obscurely (adverb): In a way that is unclear or unknown.
Collocations
- fade into obscurity
- live in obscurity
- rescue from obscurity
- relative obscurity
Example sentences
- "He spent his entire life in obscurity, only for his paintings to sell for millions after his death." An artist discovered after death
- "The treaty, once considered a major diplomatic triumph, has since faded into historical obscurity." A forgotten historical event
Memory hook
Think of an 'obstacle' that blocks the light, leaving you in the 'obscure' shadows where no one can see you. Standing in the shadows, out of sight.
When not to use
Do not confuse with darkness; while it comes from a root meaning dark, in social contexts it specifically means being unknown.
Fun facts
- The Greek philosopher Epicurus famously advised his followers to 'live in obscurity' (lathe biosas), believing that public life and fame brought only anxiety and ruin.
Related words
Explore more words
oblivion, unobtrusive, nondescript, secluded, seclusion, unassuming
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