vaguely

American  

[veyg-lee] / ˈveɪg li /

adverb

1. in a way that is unclear, imprecise, or uncertain: The sound was vaguely familiar, but she couldn't identify it.

   They've been talking vaguely about maybe buying a house there one of these days.

   The sound was vaguely familiar, but she couldn't identify it.

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Other Word Forms

• unvaguely adverb

Etymology

Origin of vaguely

vague ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Vaguely describes action that is unclear. If you vaguely recall meeting someone once before, you barely remember him or her, what you talked about, or even where you met. The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means “wandering,” or “uncertain.” Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means "mistily." If you don't want to go to your friend's tuba recital, you can say vaguely, "I think I might have something else to do that night. But if I don't, I'll try to make it."

Example Sentences

America is a society that is founded on “rights,” a concept that is vaguely defined and almost never fulfillable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Expect a dark, deep and vaguely disturbing ride.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Then there are characters I only vaguely recognize, some I feel real fondness toward but no present desire for, all those Labubus of yesteryear.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

At first, I felt vaguely conspiratorial — like I was getting away with something.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

The air has a vaguely sweet scent I can’t quite identify.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar