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.

---

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

Vaguely written job postings could be another red flag, she said, because nebulous-sounding jobs can be easy to shift around or downsize.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Vaguely, Grace recalls what’s gone wrong back home.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Vaguely grunge in vibe, the track overtly recalls second feminism’s suspicion of feminine adornment.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Vaguely based on The Little Mermaid: when a reckless fish spirit dashes away from home she is saved from the sea by a young boy.

From The Guardian • Jan. 28, 2020

Vaguely, I know that Mr. Kellerman is trying to chill me out—but reality seems really really far away.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell