Skip to main content

vaguelyin a way that is unclear, imprecise, or not clearly expressed

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: in a way that is unclear, imprecise, or not clearly expressed

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈveɪɡli/

Example Sentences

  • The professor vaguely explained quantum physics, leaving everyone more confused than before.
  • She vaguely nodded during the meeting while secretly playing games on her phone.
  • I vaguely recall promising to do something important, but I can't remember what.

vaguely

ADVERB

[/ˈveɪɡli/]

in a way that is unclear, imprecise, or not clearly expressed

Holding the clear old photograph, the man could only vaguely remember the face of his childhood friend.
💡 Concept

Holding the clear old photograph, the man could only vaguely remember the face of his childhood friend.

VAST(huge) + GUESS(estimate) — in the VAST white fog, the driver could only GUESS the shape of the bridge vaguely.
🧠 Mnemonic

VAST(huge) + GUESS(estimate) — in the VAST white fog, the driver could only GUESS the shape of the bridge vaguely.

To drive safely in the heavy storm, you must slow down when the car ahead is seen only vaguely.
🎵 Rhyme

To drive safely in the heavy storm, you must slow down when the car ahead is seen only vaguely.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈveɪɡli/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈveɪɡli/

🌳Etymology

Rootvague
Suffix--ly

Origin

Derived from Latin vagus, meaning 'wandering' or 'roaming'. The word evolved to describe an unclear or indefinite state, as if thoughts wander without settling in one place, developing the sense of being imprecise or unfocused.

Breakdown

vagus (wandering, roaming) + -ly (adverbial suffix forming an adverb from an adjective).

🎵Rhyme

strangelygreatlylately
strangely
greatly
lately

🔗Collocations

vaguely remember
vaguely familiar
vaguely aware
vaguely defined
vaguely resemble
vaguely uncomfortable

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The professor vaguely explained quantum physics, leaving everyone more confused than before.

😄 Fun example

She vaguely nodded during the meeting while secretly playing games on her phone.

I vaguely recall promising to do something important, but I can't remember what.

The map was so old that the landmarks were only vaguely visible.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

dimlyfaintlyhazilyindistinctlyroughly

Antonyms

clearlydistinctlyprecisely

Related

vagueunclearambiguousindefinite

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.