Recondite
Adjective
Definition: Little known; abstruse; dealing with obscure or difficult subjects.
Synonyms: Obscure, Esoteric, Arcane, Abstruse, Cryptic
Antonyms: Familiar, Popular, Known, Common
- The professor's lectures were filled with recondite references and concepts.
- The book contained recondite information that only a few experts would understand.
- Remember "recondite" by breaking it down into "re-" (meaning back) and "condite" (meaning hidden or secret), which can help you associate the word with something obscure or difficult to understand.
Etymology:
From Latin "reconditus" (past participle of "recondere"), meaning to hide away.
Historical Usage:The word "recondite" has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe something hidden or difficult to grasp. It originates from the Latin verb "recondere," which means "to hide back."
Related Idioms:
"Recondite knowledge"
Explanation:Referring to specialized, lesser-known information or concepts that are not widely known or understood.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "recondite" with "contradict" or "recollect."
Explanation:These words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. "Recondite" relates to something obscure or difficult to understand, while "contradict" means to assert the opposite of something, and "recollect" means to remember or recall.