vaguely
/ˈveɪɡli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈveɪɡli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvāg-lē/ (ame, mw)
vaguely — adverb
1. to a small degree; just a little — used when something has only a hint of a part
to a small degree; just a little — used when something has only a hint of a particular quality
The soup tasted vaguely of lemon, though Oluwaseun had added none.
vaguely + of + noun: for a slight hint of a flavour or quality
Thabo felt vaguely uneasy walking home alone after dark.
The room was vaguely warm, not enough to be uncomfortable.
Santiago looked vaguely disappointed when the meeting ended early.
Ingrid gave a vaguely interested nod and returned to her crossword puzzle.
文法句型
vaguely + adjective
vaguely + of + noun
用法筆記
This is the only sense that regularly modifies adjectives and other adverbs directly, as in 'vaguely familiar' or 'vaguely uneasy.'
2. not clearly formed, stated, or understood — used when an idea, memory, or descri
not clearly formed, stated, or understood — used when an idea, memory, or description feels hazy rather than sharp
Dmitri could vaguely recall the tune his grandmother used to hum.
vaguely + recall: for an unclear memory
The border between the two farms was vaguely marked on the survey map.
Noor spoke vaguely about her job, avoiding any mention of where she worked.
The instructions were vaguely written, so half the class misunderstood the task.
A vaguely familiar smell drifted from the kitchen as Esther walked in.
- unclearly
more direct and less nuanced than vaguely
- imprecisely
more formal; often used in technical or academic contexts
- hazily
emphasises a visual or sensory lack of sharpness
- indistinctly
used mainly for things that are hard to see or hear clearly
文法句型
vaguely + verb
vaguely + adjective
3. speaking or communicating without giving clear facts or details, often because y
speaking or communicating without giving clear facts or details, often because you prefer not to share everything you know
When asked about the missing money, Khadija answered vaguely and looked away.
vaguely + answer: for evasive replies that avoid detail
The politician vaguely promised improvements without giving a single number or date.
Bjorn vaguely mentioned a problem at work but refused to say what it was.
Hugo gestured vaguely toward the hills when I pressed him for the exact location.
Mei-Lin vaguely referred to some trouble at home, then quickly changed the topic.
- evasively
stronger — implies deliberate deception or avoidance
- ambiguously
more formal; can describe unintentional as well as intentional vagueness
- noncommittally
emphasises refusal to commit to a clear position
文法句型
vaguely + verb of communication
用法筆記
Often used when someone is being deliberately evasive. Distinguish from sense 2 (NOT CLEARLY), which describes unintentional lack of clarity.