Main Entry: vague

Pronunciation: \ˈvāg\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): vagu·er; vagu·est

Etymology: Middle French, from Latin vagus, literally, wandering

Date: 1548

1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms <vague accusations> b : not having a precise meaning <a vague term of abuse>
2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct <only a vague notion of what's needed>; also : slight <a vague hint of a thickening waistline> <hasn't the vaguest idea> b : not clearly felt or sensed : somewhat subconscious <a vague longing>
3 : not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely <vague about dates and places>
4 : lacking expression : vacant <vague eyes> <a vague stare>
5 : not sharply outlined : hazy <met by vague figures with shaded torchlights — Earle Birney>

synonyms see obscure

— vague·ly adverb

— vague·ness noun