Etymology Map
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Vague

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means unclear; uncertain

Where does the word "vague" come from? It comes from Latin vagus, passing through French before entering English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
vagus
Latin · ancient
"wandering"
the root of 'vagrant' and 'vagabond'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vague
French · 1500s
"vague"
from Latin 'vagus', wandering, the root of 'vagabond'
3
Stage 3 of 3
vague
English · 1540s
"uncertain"
'vague' as absent-minded dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Vague’s story begins in Latin: vagus meant “wandering.” The root of 'vagrant' and 'vagabond'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as vague. From Latin 'vagus', wandering, the root of 'vagabond'. It reached English by 1540s as vague. 'vague' as absent-minded dates from the 1800s. Today, vague means unclear; uncertain.