vague

[ veyg ]
See synonyms for: vaguevaguelyvagueness on Thesaurus.com

adjective,va·guer, va·guest.
  1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises.

  2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster.

  1. not clear or distinct to the sight or any other sense; perceptible or recognizable only in an indefinite way: vague shapes in the dark;vague murmurs behind a door.

  2. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known; uncertain: a vague rumor; The date of his birth is vague.

  3. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person.

  4. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare.

Origin of vague

1
First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French or directly from Latin vagus “wandering”

Other words for vague

Other words from vague

  • vague·ly, adverb
  • vague·ness, noun
  • un·vague, adjective
  • un·vague·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use vague in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for vague

vague

/ (veɪɡ) /


adjective
  1. (of statements, meaning, etc) not explicit; imprecise: vague promises

  2. not clearly perceptible or discernible; indistinct: a vague idea; a vague shape

  1. not clearly or definitely established or known: a vague rumour

  2. (of a person or his expression) demonstrating lack of precision or clear thinking; absent-minded

Origin of vague

1
C16: via French from Latin vagus wandering, of obscure origin

Derived forms of vague

  • vaguely, adverb
  • vagueness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012