WORD LIST 153
obfuscate (ob·'fus·kayt) v. 1. to make obscure or unclear, to muddle or make
difficult to understand. 2. to dim or darken. Instead of clarifying the matter, Wal-
ter only obfuscated it further.
obsequious (o ̆b·'see·kwee·u ̆s) adj. excessively or ingratiatingly compliant or
submissive; attentive in a servile or ingratiating manner, fawning. The obse-
quious manner of the butler made it clear that he resented his position.
obstreperous (ob·'strep·e ̆·ru ̆s) adj. noisily and stubbornly defiant; aggressively
boisterous, unruly. The obstreperous child refused to go to bed.
obtrusive (o ̆b·'troo·siv) adj. 1. prominent, undesirably noticeable. 2. projecting,
thrusting out. 3. tending to push one’s self or one’s ideas upon others, forward,
intrusive. Thankfully, Minsun survived the accident, but she was left with several
obtrusive scars.
obtuse (o ̆b·'toos) adj. 1. stupid and slow to understand. 2. blunt, not sharp or
pointed. Please don’t be so obtuse; you know what I mean.
obviate ('ob·vee·ayt) v. to make unnecessary, get rid of. Hiring Magdalena would
obviate the need to hire a music tutor, for she is also a classical pianist.
occult (o ̆·'kult) adj. 1. secret, hidden, concealed. 2. involving the realm of the
supernatural. 3. beyond ordinary understanding, incomprehensible. The
embezzler was good at keeping his financial records occult from the authorities.
odious ('oh·di·u ̆s) adj. contemptible, hateful, detestable. Zachary found the work
in the slaughterhouse so odious that he quit after one day and became a vegetarian.
oeuvre ('uu·vre ̆) n. 1. a work of art. 2. the total lifework of a writer, artist, com-
poser, etc. Constanta’s latest oeuvre is an avant-garde symphony featuring a cow bell
solo.
officious (o ̆·'fish·u ̆s) adj. meddlesome, bossy; eagerly offering unnecessary or
unwanted advice. My officious Aunt Midge is coming to the party, so be prepared for
lots of questions and advice.
oligarchy ('ol· ̆·ahr·kee) n. form of government in which the power is in the
hands of a select few. The small governing body calls itself a democracy, but it is
clearly an oligarchy.
omnipotent (om·'nip·o ̆·te ̆nt) adj. having unlimited or universal power or force.
In Greek mythology, Zeus was the most powerful god, but he was not omnipotent,
because even his rule was often held in check by the unchangeable laws of the Three
Fates.