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Nebulous

Describing something that is hazy, vague, or not clearly defined; lacking definite shape or detail.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine staring at a distant nebula through a telescope where the edges blur into the surrounding space, making it hard to discern its exact shape or boundaries.

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Sounds Like

neh-BYOO-luhs

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Looks Like

Resembles nebula; evokes a cloudiness or foggy impression in both meaning and form.

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Remember This

Nebulous derives from the idea of a cloud or fog; it often applies to ideas, plans, or memories that are not concrete.

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Other Forms

nebulanoun

nebulousnessnoun

nebulouslyadverb

nebulizeverb

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Connect With

vague, unclear, ambiguous, cloudy, obscure

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Note

Use nebulous to describe unclear explanations, vague plans, or indistinct memories. Avoid applying it to physical objects that are actually cloudy in a literal sense unless the context is metaphorical.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The professor gave a nebulous explanation that left students unsure of what to study for the exam.
Her answer was nebulous, offering few specifics about timelines or responsibilities.

Synonyms

vagueunclearobscureambiguousindistinct

Antonyms

cleardefiniteexplicitlucid

Etymology

From Latin nebula meaning 'cloud', influenced by the idea of something clouded or hazy; later forming the adjective nebu losus, meaning cloud-like or indistinct.

Mnemonic

Think of a cloud in space: a nebula. If a plan is nebulous, its meaning is as cloudy as a nebula, making it hard to see the edges clearly.

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noun

Widespread respect and admiration for someone or something based on perceived excellence, quality, or high status.

Contempt

noun

A strong feeling of disrespect or disdain for someone or something deemed unworthy, or the action of showing such disrespect, especially toward a court or its proceedings.