ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Word Knowledge (WK)Hard

The ancient philosopher's writings were often <b>abstruse</b>, requiring extensive study to comprehend.

  1. AClear
  2. BSimple
  3. CObvious
  4. DObscure
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Obscure

Abstruse means difficult to understand; obscure. Obscure is a direct synonym, while the other options are antonyms.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Clear means easy to perceive, understand, or interpret, an antonym.
  • B. Simple means easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty, an antonym.
  • C. Obvious means easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent, an antonym.

Abstruse

Difficult to understand; obscure.

  • Often used to describe complex philosophical, scientific, or artistic concepts.
  • Implies a level of intellectual difficulty beyond casual comprehension.
  • Suggests a need for specialized knowledge or intense concentration.

Memory trick: ABSTRUSe concepts are like ABSTRact puzzles.

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