# vaguely

**Pronunciation:** /ˈveɪɡli/ · VAYG-lee

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that is not clear, precise, or definite; indistinctly or unclearly.

## Examples

- She vaguely gestured towards the exit, not giving clear directions.
- He could vaguely hear music playing in the distance, but couldn't identify the song.
- The old photograph showed a vaguely familiar face, but I couldn't place it.

## Synonyms

- unclearly — Lacks clarity or distinctness.
- indistinctly — Not clearly audible, visible, or defined.
- hazy — Suggests a lack of mental clarity or a blurred memory.
- nebulously — Implies extreme vagueness, like a cloud or mist.

## Antonyms

- clearly — In a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand.
- precisely — Exactly or accurately.

## Common patterns

- vaguely + verb — To perform an action without clarity or precision. — He vaguely nodded in agreement, not fully committing.
- vaguely + adjective — To describe something as indistinctly possessing a quality. — The painting was vaguely impressionistic.

## Collocations

- vaguely remember — I vaguely remember seeing that movie years ago.
- vaguely familiar — His face looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place him.
- vaguely aware — She was vaguely aware of the conversation happening around her.

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

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