Vague Meaning and Definition
Vague
Pronunciation
/veɪg/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Lacking clearness or definition; obscure or ambiguous; not clearly expressed or understood.
Examples
- The professor’s explanation was vague, leaving many students confused.
- The description of the new policy was vague and unclear.
Synonyms
- Ambiguous
- Unclear
- Obscure
Antonyms
- Clear
- Specific
- Concise
Etymology
The word “Vague” originated from the Old French word “vauque”, which means “uncertain” or “unlimited”. It has undergone changes and adaptations throughout history, arriving at its modern English definition.
Usage Notes
In written communication, vagueness can be challenging to convey without causing confusion. However, in spoken language, tone and context can help clarify the intended meaning. When using the word “Vague”, it is essential to consider the audience and the context to avoid misunderstandings.
Cultural References
The word “Vague” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “Feelin’ Vague” is a popular lyric in the song “Vagues” by the French band Phoenix.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- a vague idea
- vague about something
- vague hints
Related Words or Phrases
- Ambiguous
- Unclear
- Obscure
- Opaque
Collocations
- vague and unclear
- a vague notion
- vague promises
Frequency of Use
The word “Vague” is often used in everyday language, particularly in conversations where clarity is crucial. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the frequency of the word “Vague” has remained relatively stable over the past few decades.
Common Misspellings
- veig
- vaque
- veggie