vague
UK: veɪɡ | US: veɪɡ
adj. unclear or indefinite in meaning or character
adj. not clearly expressed, perceived, or understood
adj. lacking precision or distinctness
vague = vag<wandering> + ue (adjective suffix)
- vag (from Latin vagus meaning "wandering, uncertain")
- ue (a common adjectival suffix in French, derived from Latin -uus)
Etymology Origin:
The word "vague" entered English in the 16th century from French vague, which itself came from Latin vagus ("wandering, undecided"). The original sense of physical wandering (e.g., a "vagabond") evolved metaphorically to describe ideas or expressions that "wander" from clarity. The French suffix -ue (from Latin -uus) solidified its role as an adjective. This shift mirrors how uncertainty is often conceptualized as a lack of fixed direction.
Her instructions were too vague to follow properly.
The politician gave a vague answer to avoid controversy.
I have only a vague memory of that event.
The boundaries between the two concepts are vague.
His description of the suspect was deliberately vague.