Vague

Definition

Vague describes something that is not clearly expressed, known, described, or decided.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb (less common, as in "vaguely")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /veɪg/
• Respelling: VAYG (rhymes with "page" and "stage")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /veɪɡ/
• Respelling: VAYG (similar to American English, rhyming with "page" and "stage")

In both dialects, the pronunciation of "vague" is essentially the same, characterized by the long "ay" sound, as found in words like "day" and "say," followed by a hard 'g' sound.

Etymology

The term "vague" is derived from the Latin word "vagus", which means "wandering" or "vague". By the late 16th century, it was adapted into English to describe something that is not clearly defined or expressed.

Derivatives

• Vaguely
• Vagueness
• Vaguer
• Vaguest
• Vaguity (less common)

Synonyms

• Ambiguous
• Nebulous
• Unclear

Antonyms

• Clear
• Precise
• Definite

Usage

• "His directions were so vague that we got lost."
• "There was a vague sense of unease in the room."

Related Terms

• Ambiguity
• Indistinct
• Obscure
• Indefinite
• General

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Not Clear in Meaning or Expression: Lacking clarity or distinctness.
• Example: His response was vague and left everyone puzzled.

• Not Clearly Defined, Bound, or Delineated: Indistinct in nature.
• Example: The boundaries of the property were vague, leading to disputes.

• Not Clear in Form or Character: Lacking sharpness or clarity.
• Example: There was a vague silhouette in the distance, but she couldn't make out what it was.

• Not Clearly Felt, Understood, or Recalled: Slight or faint.
• Example: He had a vague memory of the event but couldn't recall the details.

Adverb

• In a Way That is Not Clearly Expressed, Known, Described, or Decided: (Usually used in the form "vaguely")
• Example: She vaguely remembered seeing him at the party.