All 4 Uses of
obscure
in
The Time Machine
- I could not find it at first; but, after a time in the profound obscurity, I came upon one of those round well-like openings of which I have told you, half closed by a fallen pillar.
Chpt 5 (definition 1)obscurity = the quality of being dark, dingy, or inconspicuous
- Living, as they did, in what appeared to me impenetrable darkness, their eyes were abnormally large and sensitive, just as are the pupils of the abysmal fishes, and they reflected the light in the same way. I have no doubt they could see me in that rayless obscurity, and they did not seem to have any fear of me apart from the light.
Chpt 6 (definition 1)
- At last, more than thirty million years hence, the huge red-hot dome of the sun had come to obscure nearly a tenth part of the darkling heavens.
Chpt 11 (definition 2) *obscure = block from view
- In another moment the pale stars alone were visible. All else was rayless obscurity. The sky was absolutely black.
Chpt 11 (definition 1) *obscurity = darkness
Definitions:
-
(1) (obscure as in: was obscure, but now bright) dark or dingy; or inconspicuous (not very noticeable)editor's notes: This meaning of obscure is more commonly seen in classic literature than in modern writing.
-
(2) (obscure as in: it obscured my view) to block from view or make less visible or understandableeditor's notes: Although this meaning of obscure typically refers to seeing or understanding, it can also refer to situation where something makes something else harder to detect or as when a noise makes another noise difficult to hear. Similarly it can reference something overshadowing something else, as in "Her memory of her dog's death was obscured by her brother's death the next day."