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.
Show More
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
Examples from the Web for vagueness
Contemporary Examples
But according to Wyden, the bill is “full of holes, riddled with vagueness and ill-defined terms.”
But it would be hard to argue, given the vagueness of his campaign, that he won a specific mandate.
The incumbent gets the benefit of name recognition and ribbon-cutting opportunities; the challenger gets the benefit of vagueness.
But his campaign has relied on that same style of vagueness in its latest campaign ad.
The conduct for which Goldman is being charged could be criminal as well as civil, despite its vagueness and lack of fair warning.
Historical Examples
Then, as the journey went on, the vagueness began to define.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
The scientist was under no illusion as to the vagueness of the title "Chairman."
Irresistible WeaponHorace Brown Fyfe
"It is very interesting," remarked the Duke, with vagueness.
The Market-PlaceHarold Frederic
And then the vagueness of the warning—because what can be the meaning of the phrase: to spoil one's life?
Some ReminiscencesJoseph Conrad
Peter questioned with a vagueness that was pardonably exaggerated.
The Tragic MuseHenry James
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
Show More
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for vagueness
vague
adj.
1540s, from Middle French vague, from Latin vagus "wandering, rambling, vacillating, vague," of unknown origin. Related: Vagueness.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper