What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vague
Example
The instructions were too vague for me to understand. [vague: adjective]
Example
She had a vague idea of what she wanted to do with her life. [vague: adjective]
indistinct
Example
The outline of the mountain was indistinct in the fog. [indistinct: adjective]
Example
I have an indistinct memory of that day. [indistinct: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vague is more commonly used than indistinct in everyday language. Vague is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while indistinct is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between vague and indistinct?
Both vague and indistinct are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
