How to pronounce vague
Say it like VAYG. Vague is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vague. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAYG
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vague pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VAYGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of vague
American and British speakers say vague in essentially the same way: /veɪɡ/ in the US and /veɪɡ/ in the UK.
British respelling: VAYG.
What does vague mean?
- not clearly expressed or understood“an obscure turn of phrase”“an impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit”
- not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished“an undefined term”“undefined authority”
- lacking clarity or distinctness“a dim figure in the distance”“only a faint recollection”
Where does vague come from?
From Middle French vague, from Latin vagus (“uncertain, vague”, literally “wandering, rambling, strolling”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with vague
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vague.
Questions about saying vague
How do you pronounce vague?
Say VAYG. The American pronunciation is /veɪɡ/. In British English it is /veɪɡ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vague?
Vague is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: VAYG.
Do Americans and Brits say vague the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /veɪɡ/ and the British form is /veɪɡ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.