obscurum per obscurius

Definitions

Synonym of ignotum per ignotius (“explaining an obscure subject by resort to one even more obscure”).

Examples

“We have⟳ no doubt⟳—in spite of those rumours to the contrary which took so preposterous a shape⟳ in the table-talk of Lord Byron—that Miss⟳ More’s part in the transaction was blameless; but she certainly owes little to the dull slipslop with which Mr. Roberts has contrived to overlay—obscurum per obscurius—the only page in her history that really demanded elucidation.”

“Ivy has been compared to Latin ibex ‘wild goat’ (that is ‘climber’), but, unfortunately, the origin of ibex is obscure […] and, according to the golden rule⟳ of etymology, one should never explain⟳ obscurum per obscurius.”

“In the first place⟳, it cannot be denied that Napoleon changed the political face⟳ of Europe in a mere ten years[…]. To explain⟳ this by the intervention of some vast, impersonal force⟳ is undoubtedly an explanation of obscurum per obscurius at the very least, and it seems quixotic to deny⟳ that Napoleon’s rare talent as a military commander must have⟳ played a role here as well.”

CEFR level