What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonspecifically
Example
The instructions were given nonspecifically, leaving room for interpretation. [nonspecifically: adverb]
Example
The politician answered the question nonspecifically, avoiding a direct response. [nonspecifically: adverb]
vaguely
Example
She vaguely remembered meeting him at a party years ago. [vaguely: adverb]
Example
The instructions were written vaguely, making it hard to understand. [vaguely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vaguely is more commonly used than nonspecifically in everyday language. Vaguely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nonspecifically is less common and is typically used in technical or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonspecifically and vaguely?
Both nonspecifically and vaguely can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, nonspecifically may be perceived as more technical or specialized, while vaguely is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
