vague
[veyg]
- not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises.
- indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster.
- 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.
- not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known; uncertain: a vague rumor; The date of his birth is vague.
- (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives; a vague person.
- (of the eyes, expression, etc.) showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare.
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Origin of vague
1540–50; (< Middle French) < Latin vagus wandering
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
ambiguousunclearuncertainequivocalfaintdubiousnebulouslaxhazyfuzzyobscureunsureimpreciseamorphousblearycloudydarkdimdoubtfulenigmaticExamples from the Web for vague
Contemporary Examples
But Horrigan says the site weeds out red flags like vague or unlisted addresses.
Give Yourself a Real Reward Sure, some people might be motivated by vague goals such as “better health” or “weight control.”
But I think that people who have challenged it sometimes are kind of vague in their reasons for the challenge.
A Trailblazer in YA Dystopian Fiction: An Interview With 'The Giver' Author Lois LowryMarianne Hayes
August 12, 2014
She said it all in a vague way, that it was a hazing incident gone awry.
She said she had a only a vague idea who the couple were when she was booked.
Historical Examples
He had a vague consciousness that the boys did not love him, to say the least of it.
The Raid From Beausejour; And How The Carter Boys Lifted The MortgageCharles G. D. Roberts
He had got a dangerous game to play, and his plans were vague and shadowy.
Life in LondonEdwin Hodder
A vague unrest and dissatisfaction with her Christian experience were growing on her.
Ester Ried Yet SpeakingIsabella Alden
He had caught the contagion of her mood and vague alarm swept him.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
It was only by an effort that he shook off the vague feeling of guilt.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
vague
- (of statements, meaning, etc) not explicit; imprecisevague promises
- not clearly perceptible or discernible; indistincta vague idea; a vague shape
- not clearly or definitely established or knowna vague rumour
- (of a person or his expression) demonstrating lack of precision or clear thinking; absent-minded
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Word Origin
C16: via French from Latin vagus wandering, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for vague
adj.
1540s, from Middle French vague, from Latin vagus "wandering, rambling, vacillating, vague," of unknown origin. Related: Vagueness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper