GRE Words with Root "ob/oc/op" (13 words)

About this Root

Core idea: Latin ob- (sometimes oc-, op-) often means toward, against, or in the way of—blocking, facing, or meeting something head-on.

How it shows up on the GRE

Many ob- words feel “confrontational” or “hidden”: obstruct, oblique, obscure. Ask whether the sense is blocking, facing, or clouding.

Quick hooks from this list

Obdurate — stubborn (hardened against persuasion).
Obsequious — fawning (compliant toward power).
Occlude — block, shut.

obdurate

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

obfuscate

to confuse

oblivious

not aware of or concerned about what is happening around one.

obloquy

abusively; detractive language; sharp criticism; vituperation

obscure

To render obscure; to darken; to make dim; to keep in the dark; to hide; to make less visible, intelligible, legible, glorious, beautiful, or illustrious.

obsequious

obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.

obsolete

no longer produced or used; out of date.

obstinate

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

obstreperous

noisy and difficult to control.

obtuse

blunt/stupid

obviate

To anticipate and prevent or bypass (something which would otherwise have been necessary or required).

occlude

to block

opprobrium

harsh criticism or censure.