abstruse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abstruse" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something as difficult to understand or something that is profound and complex. For example: "His abstruse theories were hard to comprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few years ago, the question "can there be a soft dictatorship inside the EU?" would have been dismissed as an abstruse hypothetical for students of law and political theory.

The Guardian - Opinion

At SESAME Israeli boffins work with colleagues from places such as Iran and the Palestinian territories.By the bookScience of the kind practised at SESAME throws up few challenges to Muslim doctrine (and in many cases is so abstruse that religious censors would struggle to understand it).

The Economist

In each world, public statements have often been veiled in arcane and abstruse language, so that any plain, blunt speaking comes as a refreshing break.

The Economist

Stockmarkets plunged as Mr Jaitley spoke, only to surge as his abstruse speech was decoded.Mr Jaitley, in a yellow Nehru waistcoat, said that economic growth, which has been stuck for two years below 5%, the worst performance in a quarter of a century, would bounce back to an annual 7-8% in the next three years.

The Economist

This seemingly abstruse argument has threatened to spark a wider trade war in the past.

The Economist

Of the country's roughly 80,000 non-profit groups, only about 100 enjoy tax-free status because of an abstruse accreditation scheme.Mr Kingston believes that Japan can get itself out of trouble and that change is taking place.

The Economist

In this case the political opposition he wants to construct is not the rather abstruse AV v FPTP, but reform versus the status quo: "the alternative vote versus the hereditary vote" is the slogan Mr Brown road-tested in the Commons this week.Or, perhaps, the fact that this new move is a revival of a promise Labour made in 1997 is, in a way, part of its appeal.

The Economist

Mr Nixon, who was prepared to believe the most abstruse conspiracy theories, sent lawyers from his Justice Department into federal court to stop the presses and obtain a rare prior-restraint order against further publication of the confidential material.What ensued during the following fortnight was part high drama, part vaudeville show.

The Economist

ALAN GREENSPAN was a master of abstruse language as chairman of the Federal Reserve.

The Economist

Long associated with the abstruse art of mathematical modelling, economics has become the discipline of choice to explain all sorts of phenomena, from human decision-making to the mysteries of the housing market.

The Economist

It also marked the moment when maths began to slip away from being part of the armamentarium of any educated person and towards the dizzyingly abstruse field it has become today.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abstruse", consider your audience. If you're writing for a general audience, you might want to provide additional context or explanation to ensure they understand the concept you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "abstruse" in situations where simpler words like "complex" or "difficult" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "abstruse" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that they are difficult to understand or grasp. Ludwig AI confirms its usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abstruse" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something difficult to understand, often found in formal writing and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While "abstruse" can effectively communicate complexity, it's crucial to consider your audience and use simpler alternatives when appropriate, such as "complex" or "obscure". Remember, clarity is key in communication, and overusing "abstruse" can hinder rather than help understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esoteric

Indicates something understood by only a small number of people.

recondite

Highlights the depth and obscurity of the subject matter.

difficult to understand

Replaces the single adjective with a descriptive phrase for broader comprehension.

arcane

Implies something mysterious and known only to a few.

incomprehensible

Emphasizes the inability to understand something.

opaque

Suggests a lack of clarity or transparency.

perplexing

Focuses on the confusing nature of the subject.

hard to grasp

Uses a more informal, yet equally valid, expression for something complex.

deep

A more general term indicating complexity and profundity.

complex

A straightforward term for something not simple.

FAQs

How can I use "abstruse" in a sentence?

You can use "abstruse" to describe theories, concepts, or writings that are difficult to understand. For example, "The professor presented an abstruse argument about quantum physics."

What's a simpler word I can use instead of "abstruse"?

Alternatives to "abstruse" include "difficult to understand", "complex", or "obscure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "abstruse" and "arcane"?

"Abstruse" refers to something difficult to understand, while "arcane" implies something is mysterious and known only to a few. Something can be both abstruse and arcane, but they emphasize different qualities.

Is it appropriate to use "abstruse" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "abstruse" is generally more suited to formal writing and academic discussions. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly formal or pretentious.