indistinct

/,indis'tiɳkt/

Thân thiện

The distant mountains were indistinct in the morning fog.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand: Refers to something that is not sharp, clear, or definite in form, sound, or detail. 2. Faint, vague, or blurred: Describes something that is difficult to see, hear, or comprehend fully.

Usage

The adjective "indistinct" is used to describe perceptions, memories, or ideas that lack clarity. It often modifies nouns related to sensory input (sight, sound) or cognition (memory, notion). It is a formal term.

Examples

• The fog made the distant lighthouse an indistinct blur.
• She had only an indistinct recollection of the event from her childhood.
• The voices from the next room were muffled and indistinct.
• The photograph was old and the faces had become indistinct.

Advanced Usage

• "Indistinct from": Used to describe something that cannot be clearly differentiated from something else.
  • In the twilight, the trees were almost indistinct from the surrounding hills.
• "Remain indistinct": Describes something that continues to be unclear.
  • The details of the plan remained indistinct until the final meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Indistinctly (adverb): In a way that is not clear or sharply defined.
  • He spoke indistinctly because of his nervousness.
• Indistinctness (noun): The quality or state of being indistinct.
  • The indistinctness of the image made identification impossible.

Synonyms

• Blurred: Unclear in outline or definition.
• Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite character or meaning.
• Faint: Barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness.
• Hazy: Covered by a haze; vague or ill-defined.
• Muffled: (Of a sound) not loud because of being obstructed in some way.

Antonyms

• Distinct: Recognizably different; clear and definite.
• Clear: Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
• Sharp: Having a clear and distinct form or outline.
• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Indistinct" itself is not commonly used in fixed idioms. The phrases below are common collocations.) - Indistinct murmur: A low, continuous, and unclear sound. - An indistinct murmur of conversation filled the hall. - Indistinct shape/form: An object whose outline cannot be clearly seen. - An indistinct shape moved in the shadows.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
   • indistinct shapes in the gloom
   • an indistinct memory
   • only indistinct notions of what to do