calculatedly obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculatedly obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intentionally made unclear or difficult to understand, often for a specific purpose. Example: "The author's writing style is calculatedly obscure, leaving readers to decipher the true meaning behind the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The statement is calculatedly vague, implying that one out five tablets sold last week were Fires but not quite saying that.

The New York Times

Calculatedly artistic shots abound.

The New York Times - Arts

The question was calculatedly naïve.

The New Yorker

The drawings were all calculatedly unfair.

The Guardian - Books

Students are randomly assigned, creating a calculatedly diverse group.

The New Yorker

How obscure?

The New York Times - Arts

His black eyebrows form a thicket he calculatedly peers through.

The New York Times - Books

But unless you know why, the prohibition comes across as calculatedly tantalizing.

The New York Times - Arts

"They calculatedly come and look for the cats and wait for them," she said.

The New York Times

Mr Khamenei's attitude towards the diplomatic process has been calculatedly ambiguous.

The Economist

I have obscure pleasures.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "calculatedly obscure". In technical or academic writing, make sure to use it where appropriate to indicate a degree of intended subtlety that needs unpacking.

Common error

Avoid using "calculatedly obscure" when you simply mean something is difficult to understand. The 'calculatedly' implies a deliberate intention to obfuscate, which may not always be the case. If there's no intent to hide or confuse, opt for simpler terms like 'unclear' or 'complex'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculatedly obscure" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. The adverb "calculatedly" modifies the adjective "obscure", indicating the manner in which something is obscure – that is, in a planned or deliberate way. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calculatedly obscure" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something intentionally made unclear or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in credible sources such as The New York Times and The Economist. The phrase is most often used in news and media or encyclopedic contexts to critically analyze situations where a lack of clarity is deliberate, indicating a motive to mislead or confuse. When using "calculatedly obscure", ensure that the intention behind the obscurity is the key point you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberately vague

Emphasizes the intentional lack of clarity, focusing on the ambiguity of the statement.

intentionally ambiguous

Highlights the purposeful nature of the ambiguity, similar to "calculatedly obscure".

purposely obfuscated

Focuses on the deliberate act of making something unclear or unintelligible.

designed to confuse

Highlights the intention behind the obscurity, which is to create confusion.

meant to mislead

Emphasizes the deceptive aspect of the obscurity, suggesting an intention to lead astray.

artificially unintelligible

Focuses on the contrived nature of the lack of understanding.

studiedly enigmatic

Highlights the deliberate and carefully crafted mysteriousness.

willfully incomprehensible

Focuses on the deliberate intention to make something not able to be understood.

obfuscated on purpose

Highlights that the obfuscation was not accidental but rather premeditated.

constructed to perplex

Emphasizes the active creation of something confusing.

FAQs

How can I use "calculatedly obscure" in a sentence?

You can use "calculatedly obscure" to describe something intentionally made unclear or difficult to understand, often for a specific purpose. For example: "The author's writing style is calculatedly obscure, leaving readers to decipher the true meaning behind the text."

What are some alternatives to "calculatedly obscure"?

Alternatives include "deliberately vague", "intentionally ambiguous", or "purposely obfuscated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "calculatedly obscure" and "unintentionally obscure"?

"Calculatedly obscure" implies a deliberate effort to make something difficult to understand, while "unintentionally obscure" suggests that the lack of clarity is accidental or unintentional.

Is "calculatedly obscure" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "calculatedly obscure" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize that something has been intentionally obfuscated. However, ensure the context warrants this specific emphasis and the phrase aligns with the overall tone of your writing.