vaguely
gb/vˈeɪɡli/ us/vˈeɪɡli/
B2
English
~ 5500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in an unclear or indistinct way
In a way that is not clear or exact, so you only get a general idea.
Usage pattern:
vaguely [verb] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes try to say *"in a vague way"* or *"in vaguely way"* instead of using the adverb correctly before a verb, as in "He answered vaguely." They may also overuse "unclearly", which is correct but less natural in many everyday situations where native speakers prefer "vaguely".
Synonyms
unclearly (More direct and literal; used less often in everyday speech than "vaguely".)
|
imprecisely (Sounds more formal and technical, often used in academic or scientific contexts.)
|
indistinctly (Often used for things you hear or see that are not sharp or clear.)
Antonyms
clearly (Direct opposite; the information or memory is easy to understand and precise.)
|
precisely (Emphasizes exact detail, the opposite of being general or hazy.)
Collocations
vaguely remember
|vaguely described
|vaguely worded
|vaguely defined
|answer vaguely
|speak vaguely
Themes
communication
|thinking
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I vaguely remember meeting her at a party years ago.
- He only vaguely explained what had happened, so we were still confused.
- The instructions were vaguely worded and hard to follow.
- She could vaguely make out a figure in the dark doorway.
- The plan was only vaguely outlined in his email.
Learner examples
- I vaguely remember my first day at school.
- He told us vaguely what we should do, but not the details.
- She could vaguely see a man behind the window.
- The teacher spoke so vaguely that the students did not understand.
- My grandfather can only vaguely recall his time in the army.
adverb
B2
property
2
slightly; to a small degree
A little; not very much, often used before an adjective to make its meaning weaker.
Usage pattern:
vaguely [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "vaguely" where "a little" or "slightly" would be more natural, especially before adjectives that do not suggest uncertainty (e.g. saying *"vaguely tall"* sounds odd; "slightly tall" or "quite tall" is better). They may also place it after the adjective (*"I am worried vaguely"*) instead of before it (*"I am vaguely worried"*).
Synonyms
slightly (Very close in meaning, but "slightly" does not include the idea of being unclear or uncertain.)
|
somewhat (Similar strength, but sounds a bit more formal and does not imply fuzziness as strongly.)
|
a bit (Informal and conversational; often used in speech instead of "vaguely".)
Antonyms
strongly (Opposite in degree; suggests a clear, intense feeling or quality.)
|
decidedly (Opposite in certainty; suggests something is definite, not just weakly felt.)
Collocations
vaguely aware
|vaguely familiar
|vaguely worried
|vaguely interested
|vaguely similar
|vaguely happy
Themes
emotions
|thinking
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I'm vaguely aware that there might be a problem, but I don't know the details.
- She felt vaguely uncomfortable during the meeting.
- The man looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place him.
- They seemed vaguely interested in the proposal, but not excited.
- He was only vaguely confident about passing the exam.
Learner examples
- I am vaguely aware of the rules, but not all of them.
- She felt vaguely sick after the long bus ride.
- The name is vaguely familiar to me.
- He was vaguely afraid of talking to his boss.
- We were only vaguely sure that we were on the right road.
Grammar
Dictionary form
vaguely
IPA
GB/vˈeɪɡli/
US/vˈeɪɡli/
Syllables & stress
vaguely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (vaguely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: vaguely
- Plural: vaguelies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.