adj
C2
Proficient
arcane
ahr-KAYN
Arcane (adj) means Understood by very few people; mysterious and difficult to grasp because of how obscure or specialized it is. Example: “The tax code is full of arcane rules that even accountants struggle with.”
adj
1
Understood by very few people; mysterious and difficult to grasp because of how obscure or specialized it is.
"The tax code is full of arcane rules that even accountants struggle with."
"He was fascinated by arcane rituals described in old manuscripts."
How to use arcane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo obscure or specialized that hardly anyone understands it.
Common mistake
"Arcane" means obscure/secret knowledge; "archaic" means old-fashioned or no longer in common use — a rule can be arcane without being old.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
arcane knowledge
arcane rules
arcane rituals
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more arcane
- Superlative
- most arcane
Fill the gap
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The tax code is full of _____ rules that even accountants struggle with.
Etymology
From Latin arcanus, "hidden, secret", from arceo, "to shut in or enclose".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for arcane
See all rhymes for arcane →Frequently asked questions
What does “arcane” mean?
The word “arcane” means understood by very few people; mysterious and difficult to grasp because of how obscure or specialized it is. In plain terms, so obscure or specialized that hardly anyone understands it.
How do you pronounce “arcane”?
“Arcane” is pronounced ahr-KAYN (/ɑɹˈkeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “arcane” in a sentence?
Here is “arcane” used in a sentence: “The tax code is full of arcane rules that even accountants struggle with.”
What is another word for “arcane”?
Words with a similar meaning to “arcane” include dark, enigmatic, esoteric, mystic, obscure and occult.
What is the opposite of “arcane”?
The opposite of “arcane” — its antonyms — are accessible, exoteric, irrecondite, nonesoteric and well-known.
What part of speech is “arcane”?
“Arcane” is an adjective.
Where does the word “arcane” come from?
The word “arcane” comes from Latin. From Latin arcanus, "hidden, secret", from arceo, "to shut in or enclose".
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