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Indistinctly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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indistinctly

[หŒษชndษชหˆstษชล‹(k)tli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

spoken communication

In a way that is not clear or precise; lacking definition or clarity.

Synonyms

incoherently, unclearly, vaguely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinctly

Similar to 'indistinctly,' but slightly more focused on describing vague appearances or sounds rather than clarity of understanding.

  • She mumbled indistinctly, making it hard to catch her words.
  • The shapes in the distance appeared indistinctly.
unclearly

This word is appropriate when something is not clearly expressed or easily understood, whether in speech, writing, or visibility.

  • The instructions were written unclearly, so nobody knew what to do.
  • He spoke unclearly, making it difficult to follow his argument.
vaguely

Best used for situations where something is not expressed precisely or is only slightly perceived. It can also imply a lack of strong detail or definition.

  • She only vaguely remembered the details of the event.
  • He described the plan so vaguely that it left everyone confused.
incoherently

This word is best used when referring to speech or writing that is not logically connected or hard to understand. It often implies confusion or disorganization.

  • After the accident, he was speaking incoherently from shock.
  • The witness gave an incoherent testimony that didn't make much sense.

Examples of usage

  • She mumbled indistinctly, making it hard to understand her.
  • He spoke indistinctly due to the noise in the background.
  • The announcer's voice came through the radio indistinctly.
Context #2 | Adverb

visual perception

In a way that is not clearly visible or easily distinguishable.

Synonyms

blurrily, fuzzily, indefinitely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indistinctly

Again refers to something that is not clear in appearance or sound; often used to describe something seen or heard in a blurry or confused way, similar to 'indistinctly', but can also imply a lack of strong distinction between elements.

  • The two colors blend indistinctly, making it hard to differentiate where one ends and the other begins.
  • The music played indistinctly in the background, just a murmur of sound.
blurrily

Usually refers to visual perception where things appear smeared or out of focus. Mostly associated with how we see something in a situation where vision is impaired.

  • After waking up, she saw the room blurrily until she put on her glasses.
  • He looked at the scenery blurrily through his tear-filled eyes.
fuzzily

Describes something seen or understood in a hazy, unclear way, but can also apply to memory or ideas. It can suggest a somewhat pleasant, soft, or comforting quality.

  • I remember the events of last night fuzzily, everything's kind of a blur.
  • The photograph was taken through a lace curtain, making it appear fuzzily.
indefinitely

Refers to something that is vague or not clearly defined in terms of time or extent. Can also suggest something lasting for an unspecified period. Often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context.

  • The construction plans have been put on hold indefinitely.
  • He spoke about his travel plans indefinitely, with no clear timeline in mind.

Examples of usage

  • The figure in the distance appeared indistinctly, making it hard to identify.
  • The details of the painting were rendered indistinctly, adding to its mystery.

Translations

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

Origin of 'indistinctly'

The word 'indistinctly' originates from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the adjective 'distinct', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'distinctus' meaning 'separated'. The adverb form 'indistinctly' first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, evolving to describe things that lack clear definition or clarity.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,283, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.