vague

Everyday

1. Vague means not clear or exact: a vague answer, vague directions. tree →
2. A vague shape or memory is hard to see or remember clearly. tree →
3. A vague person is absent-minded and does not explain things clearly. tree →

In the lessons

In school, teachers say an answer is too vague and ask for details. In stories, vague shapes in the fog or vague memories add mystery. In maths word problems, vague words like «some» or «a few» do not give an exact number. Phrases: a vague idea, vaguely remember, rather vague.

Examples

• Your answer is too vague: please give an example. tree →
• I have a vague memory of the trip. tree →
• He gave us vague directions, so we got lost. tree →
• We saw a vague shape in the mist. tree →
• I vaguely remember meeting her. tree →
• Grandpa can be a bit vague in the mornings. tree →
• Jurgen gave such a vague answer that it was not easy to make out what he meant--the old man brought Else to him, and she said: tree →

Note

Silent «ue»: pronounced «vayg». Comparative: vaguer, vaguest. Opposite: clear, exact, precise, specific. In maths, «a vague number» like «about 20» or «a few» is not exact; you can't use it to get one answer.