What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indefinite
Example
He gave me an indefinite answer about when he would arrive. [indefinite: adjective]
Example
I need an indefinite amount of time to complete this project. [indefinite: adjective]
vague
Example
She gave me a vague description of the problem. [vague: adjective]
Example
The instructions were too vague for me to understand. [vague: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vague is more commonly used than indefinite in everyday language. Vague is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indefinite is less common and typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indefinite and vague?
Indefinite is typically associated with a more formal tone, while vague is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.