Vaguely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vaguely

[ˈveɪɡli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

describing an action

In a way that is not clearly or precisely defined; roughly.

Synonyms

imprecisely, indefinitely, roughly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vaguely	Use this word when you want to express a lack of clarity or detail in what you're describing. It's often suitable for subjective feelings or memories. She vaguely remembered meeting him at the party. The plan was vaguely outlined but lacked specifics.
indefinitely	This word is best used when referring to something that lacks a defined end or limit. It often implies an ongoing state without a clear conclusion. The meeting was postponed indefinitely due to the emergency. They decided to pause the project indefinitely.
imprecisely	This word is useful when you are referring to measurements, calculations, or descriptions that are not exact. It's often used in formal or technical settings. The data was measured imprecisely due to faulty equipment. He described the location imprecisely, making it hard to find.
roughly	This word is most appropriate when you need to give an approximation or an estimate that is close but not exact. It can also imply a sense of crudity or lack of finesse. The project will take roughly six months to complete. He measured the ingredients roughly, not following the recipe exactly.

Examples of usage

She vaguely remembered meeting him before.
He vaguely knew where the restaurant was located.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

describing a description

In a way that is not detailed or specific.

Synonyms

broadly, generally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vaguely	This is a repeat of the first entry and would be used in the same way, denoting something unclear or imprecise. She vaguely understood the concept The witness gave a vaguely accurate description of the suspect
generally	This word is used when something is true in most cases or typically. It’s often used to introduce common facts or opinions. Generally, people need eight hours of sleep per night The movie was generally well-received by the critics
broadly	Use this word when you want to express that something is true in a general sense without going into specifics. It's often used in contexts where details are not necessary. Broadly speaking, most people prefer summer to winter The new policy was broadly accepted by the employees

Word

Description / Examples

vaguely

This is a repeat of the first entry and would be used in the same way, denoting something unclear or imprecise.

She vaguely understood the concept
The witness gave a vaguely accurate description of the suspect

generally

This word is used when something is true in most cases or typically. It’s often used to introduce common facts or opinions.

Generally, people need eight hours of sleep per night
The movie was generally well-received by the critics

broadly

Use this word when you want to express that something is true in a general sense without going into specifics. It's often used in contexts where details are not necessary.

Broadly speaking, most people prefer summer to winter
The new policy was broadly accepted by the employees

Examples of usage

The instructions were only vaguely explained.
The painting depicted a vaguely familiar scene.

Translations

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

Origin of 'vaguely'

The word 'vaguely' originated from the Latin word 'vagus' meaning 'wandering' or 'uncertain'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language, describing something that is not clearly defined or specific.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,221, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10218 attentive
10219 impart
10220 creator
10221 vaguely
10222 steward
10223 larva
10224 colonization
...