Word
vaguely
Phoneticsvague·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈveɪɡɫi/
UK/vˈeɪɡli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01not clearly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is not clear or exact.
adv. in a manner that lacks precision or distinctness.
“I vaguely remember meeting him at a party a few years ago.”
“The witness could only vaguely describe the suspect, noting a dark jacket but failing to recall any specific facial features.”
Usage
Often used with verbs of cognition like 'remember', 'recall', or 'understand'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02slightly or somewhat
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. slightly or in a small way that is hard to describe.
adv. to a slight degree; somewhat or marginally.
“The new manager looks vaguely familiar, but I can't place her.”
“The atmosphere in the meeting was vaguely hostile, though no one said anything explicitly aggressive.”
Usage
Frequently modifies adjectives to soften a statement or express a gut feeling.
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in spoken English to express a feeling you can't quite explain.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“He left five days after the third of those Champions League successes, vaguely citing the club’s need for change.” “I escaped into Florence, only vaguely aware of where I was going.” Etymology
From vague + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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