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vaguely

/ˈveɪɡli/
adverb★Intermediate— not clearly or precisely
informal

in a way that is not clear, precise, or detailed

He described the event vaguely, leaving out important details.

His description was unclear and lacked specifics.

The instructions were vaguely worded, making them hard to follow.

The instructions were ambiguous and not well-defined.

💡

Often used to describe memories, descriptions, or instructions that lack clarity.

Collocations

vaguely familiarsomewhat recognizable but not clearly rememberedvaguely awarehaving a general but unclear understanding

Synonyms

fuzzilyunclearlyambiguouslyindistinctlyhazily

Antonyms

clearlypreciselyexactlydefinitelydistinctly

Related Phrases

vague ideaphrase
a general but unclear concept
vague notionphrase
a rough or unclear understanding

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'vaguely' to describe something that is not clearly defined or remembered.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Avoid using 'vaguely' too frequently, as it can make your writing or speech seem unclear or imprecise.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'vaguely,' from Old French 'vaguer,' meaning 'to wander,' from Latin 'vagari,' meaning 'to wander.'

📝Usage Notes

Often used to describe memories, descriptions, or instructions that lack clarity. Can also imply a lack of attention or effort.

Word Breakdown

vague
not clearly expressed or understood
root
+
-ly
adverb suffix
suffix
English Dictionary

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