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Indistinct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indistinct

[หŒษชndษชหˆstษชล‹kt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

speech

Not clear or sharply defined.

Synonyms

blurry, fuzzy, indefinite, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinct

Use this word when something is not clearly distinguishable or lacks sharpness in detail.

  • The figure in the distance was indistinct, impossible to identify clearly
  • Her voice was indistinct over the loudspeaker
blurry

This word is best used when referring to visual perception where objects lack sharpness and appear smeared or out of focus.

  • Without my glasses, everything looks blurry
  • The photo came out blurry because the camera moved
vague

Ideal for situations where something is not clearly expressed or understood, often leading to confusion or ambiguity.

  • His explanation of the process was vague and left everyone confused
  • She gave a vague answer that didn't really clarify the situation
indefinite

This word is suitable when referring to something that lacks clear definition, boundaries, or certainty, often used for abstract or non-tangible concepts.

  • The meeting was postponed to an indefinite date
  • Her plans for the future remain indefinite
fuzzy

Use this term when describing something that is not clear and sharp, often used to describe visual and tactile sensations, with an added nuance of softness or warmth.

  • The TV screen is fuzzy because of poor signal
  • His memories of the event are fuzzy after so many years

Examples of usage

  • indistinct shapes in the fog
  • an indistinct figure in the distance
Context #2 | Adjective

sound

Not clear to the ear; not distinctly heard.

Synonyms

indistinguishable, muffled, unclear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinct

when something is not clearly visible or defined, often because it is far away, blurred, or obscured.

  • The image was indistinct, making it hard to recognize any features
  • Her voice on the phone was indistinct due to poor reception
muffled

when a sound is quiet, unclear, or difficult to hear, often because it is being obstructed or covered.

  • His voice was muffled by the thick scarf he was wearing
  • They could hear a muffled conversation through the wall
indistinguishable

when two or more things are so similar that you cannot tell them apart.

  • The two sisters were indistinguishable in their identical dresses
  • Under low light, the colors were indistinguishable from each other
unclear

when something is not easily understood, or when instructions, explanations, or images are confusing or ambiguous.

  • The directions were unclear, leaving everyone puzzled
  • The photograph was unclear due to the fog

Examples of usage

  • an indistinct murmur
  • the indistinct sound of footsteps

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'indistinct'

The word 'indistinct' originated from the Latin word 'indistinctus', which means 'not distinguished'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'indistinct' has been used to describe things that are not clear, sharp, or easily perceived. The word has remained relevant in modern English, often used to convey a lack of clarity or definition in various contexts.

See also: distinct, distinction, distinctive, distinctively, distinctiveness, distinctly, distinctness, indistinctiveness, indistinctly, indistinctness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,416, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.