vague

[veyg]

adjective

vaguer, vaguest 

1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed.

   vague promises.

   Synonyms: imprecise, unspecific

2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings.

   a vague premonition of disaster.

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

   vague shapes in the dark;

   vague murmurs behind a door.

   Synonyms: shadowy, hazy, obscure

4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known; uncertain.

   a vague rumor;

   The date of his birth is vague.

5. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: a vague person.

   vague about his motives;

   a vague person.

6. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) showing lack of clear perception or understanding.

   a vague stare.

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

3. not clearly or definitely established or known

   a vague rumour

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

Other Word Forms

• vaguely adverb
• vagueness noun
• unvague adjective
• unvagueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vague¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vague¹

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

Example Sentences

There is no explanation on precisely why this decision has been reached, beyond vague references to alignment and Cavenagh made a point of saying that he would not throw dirt in their direction.

Read more on BBC

Trier wisely leaves the specifics of this father-daughter tension vague, painting his characters gingerly and with loving detail until the knockout final stretch of the film pulls back, revealing a full family portrait.

Read more on Salon

While the initial text for agreement had some vague references to things that looked like a roadmap, within days they were gone, never to return.

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Kyiv would want more than a vague promise if it were to sign up.

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He continued: "I can be vague at times and I don't want to scatter brain cells over the camp."

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Related Words

• ambiguous 
• dubious 
• equivocal 
• faint 
• fuzzy 
• hazy 
• imprecise 
• lax 
• nebulous 
• obscure 
• uncertain 
• unclear 
• unsure