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Nebulous: meaning, definitions and examples

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nebulous

 

[ˈnɛbjʊləs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

weather

In meteorology, nebulous refers to a sky that is covered with or characterized by clouds; clouded; overcast.

Synonyms

cloudy, hazy, overcast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nebulous

Used to describe something that is vague, unclear, or lacking in definite shape or form. Often applied to concepts, ideas, or plans.

  • Her future plans are still nebulous and undefined.
  • The politician’s promises were nebulous and lacked specifics.
cloudy

Typically describes weather with many clouds or something that is not clear or transparent, often literally. Can also describe a person's mood or thoughts when they're unclear.

  • It's a cloudy day, so we might not see the sun.
  • The water in the glass is cloudy and not safe to drink.
  • His mind was cloudy after the long meeting.
overcast

Primarily used to describe a sky completely covered by clouds, leading to a dull, grey appearance. Generally refers to weather conditions.

  • It looks like it might rain; it's quite overcast today.
  • The weekend was overcast and gloomy, perfect for staying indoors.
hazy

Describes something that is partially hidden or obscured by mist, smoke, or dust. Can also refer to unclear memories or understanding.

  • The mountains were hazy in the distance.
  • After the accident, his memories of the event were hazy.

Examples of usage

  • The weather forecast predicted a nebulous sky for the entire week.
  • The nebulous conditions made it difficult to see the sun.
Context #2 | Adjective

unclear

When used to describe something unclear or vague, nebulous means hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indistinct, vague.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nebulous

Appropriate for describing something that is unclear or lacks definite form, often in a figurative or abstract sense.

  • His explanation of the project was so nebulous that I couldn't understand the main idea.
  • The future goals of the organization remain nebulous.
vague

Best used when something lacks clarity in terms of details or precision. It often suggests a level of uncertainty or imprecision.

  • Her directions were so vague that I got lost several times.
  • The concept was interesting, but his explanation was too vague to grasp fully.
indistinct

Ideal for describing something that is not clearly visible, audible, or defined.

  • The voices in the distance were indistinct, making it hard to understand what was being said.
  • From afar, the figure appeared indistinct and blurry.
ambiguous

Used when something can have more than one interpretation or is open to multiple meanings. This can be intentional or unintentional.

  • The results of the test were ambiguous, and we couldn't draw any firm conclusions.
  • Her statement was ambiguous and left room for much speculation.

Examples of usage

  • The instructions were so nebulous that no one knew what to do.
  • Her memory of the event was nebulous, as if it had happened in a dream.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'nebulosus', meaning 'full of mist' or 'foggy'.
  • In the 15th century, it was used to describe things that are misty or uncertain.
  • It relates to the word 'nebula', which refers to a cloud of gas and dust in outer space.

Science

  • Astronomers use 'nebulous' to describe stellar nurseries where stars are born within cloud-like formations.
  • In psychology, nebulous thoughts can indicate ideas that are not fully formed, similar to unclear memories or concepts.
  • In computer science, the term can refer to ambiguous data or information that lacks clarity.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'nebulous' to describe characters' emotions or thoughts that are confusing or not yet solidified.
  • It frequently appears in poetry to create an image of uncertainty or mystery.
  • In the realm of literary criticism, 'nebulous' themes can be seen as deep, complex ideas that are open to interpretation.

Pop Culture

  • The term can describe complex plotlines in movies where the storyline isn’t straightforward.
  • In music, a 'nebulous' vibe often refers to atmospheric sounds that leave listeners feeling uncertain or dreamy.
  • It’s sometimes used to describe trends that are not yet clearly defined or understood in the fashion industry.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers may describe concepts that lack precision as nebulous, leading to discussions about clarity and understanding.
  • In existential questions, 'nebulous' can signify the unclear nature of existence or purpose.
  • Debates surrounding the definition of free will sometimes involve nebulous ideas that challenge concrete understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "nebulous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nebuloso

🇮🇳 धुंधला

🇩🇪 nebulös

🇮🇩 kabur

🇺🇦 туманний

🇵🇱 mglisty

🇯🇵 曖昧な

🇫🇷 nébuleux

🇪🇸 nebuloso

🇹🇷 bulanık

🇰🇷 모호한

🇸🇦 غامض

🇨🇿 nejasný

🇸🇰 nejasný

🇨🇳 模糊的

🇸🇮 nejasen

🇮🇸 óljós

🇰🇿 белгісіз

🇬🇪 ბუნდოვანი

🇦🇿 bulanıq

🇲🇽 nebuloso

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,428, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.