nebulous

UK: ˈnɛbjʊləs | US: ˈnɛbjələs

Definition
  1. adj. unclear, vague, or hazy in form or meaning

  2. adj. relating to or resembling a nebula (astronomy)

Structure
nebula <cloud>ous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "nebulous" originates from the Latin "nebula," meaning "cloud" or "mist." The suffix "-ous" (from Latin "-osus") denotes "full of" or "having the quality of." Thus, "nebulous" literally means "cloud-like" or "full of mist," reflecting its modern sense of vagueness or lack of clarity. The astronomical usage directly references the appearance of nebulae—diffuse clouds of gas and dust in space.

Examples
  1. His explanation was so nebulous that no one understood his point.

  2. The contract's terms were deliberately nebulous to allow flexibility.

  3. The artist painted a nebulous landscape with soft, blurry edges.

  4. In the telescope, the nebulous glow of distant stars was breathtaking.

  5. Her memories of the event were nebulous, like fragments of a dream.