# indistinctly

**Pronunciation:** /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋktli/ · in-di-STINKT-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is not clear or sharply defined; vaguely or obscurely.

## Examples

- The old photograph showed the faces of the people indistinctly, making it hard to identify them.
- From a distance, the figures in the fog appeared indistinctly, like shadows moving through the mist.
- She heard a voice calling her name, but it was so faint that she could only perceive it indistinctly.

## Synonyms

- vaguely — Suggests a lack of precision or clarity in thought or expression.
- obscurely — Implies something is hidden, difficult to understand, or not easily seen/heard.
- faintly — Refers to a weak or barely perceptible quality, often sound or light.
- hazy — Suggests a lack of clarity due to mist, smoke, or a blurred memory.

## Antonyms

- clearly — In a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
- distinctly — In a way that is easily recognizable and separate from other things.
- sharply — With clear and precise outlines or details.

## Common patterns

- speak indistinctly — To speak in a way that is difficult to understand. — He was mumbling and speaking indistinctly, so I couldn't catch his words.
- see indistinctly — To see something without clear detail. — Through the rain-streaked window, she could see the distant mountains indistinctly.
- hear indistinctly — To hear sounds or voices without clarity. — The music from the next room played indistinctly, just a muffled beat.

## Collocations

- see indistinctly — I could see the mountains indistinctly through the haze.
- hear indistinctly — She heard indistinctly through the thick wall.
- remember indistinctly — He remembered indistinctly the events of that night.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/indistinctly

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