indistinct

[ in-di-stingkt ]

adjective

1. not distinct; not clearly marked or defined:

   indistinct markings.

2. not clearly distinguishable or perceptible, as to the eye, ear, or mind:

   He heard an indistinct muttering.

   Synonyms: dim, clouded

3. not distinguishing clearly:

   After the accident he suffered from indistinct vision and faulty hearing.

indistinct

/ ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt /

adjective

1. incapable of being clearly distinguished, as by the eyes, ears, or mind; not distinct

Derived Forms

• ˌindisˈtinctly, adverb
• ˌindisˈtinctness, noun

Other Words From

• indis·tinctly adverb
• indis·tinctness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indistinct¹

From the Latin word indistinctus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- ³, distinct

Example Sentences

Interestingly, as opposed to what we identify as an elf in modern fiction and popular culture, the ancient Germanic people had a more indistinct concept of the mythical being.

From Realm of History

The educator Donald Stokes, for instance, has pointed out that the line between basic and applied science can be indistinct.

From Science News

We are forced to conclude that the lines between military and civilian uses remain sufficiently indistinct to make a potential conflict more likely than not.

From Popular-Science

But the images were too dim and indistinct to make out a face or a license plate number.

From The Daily Beast

The Chinese images were notably indistinct and those released by the Australians this week are little better.

From The Daily Beast

It is clear that they see countries as indistinct numbers, open to endless evaluation.

From The Daily Beast

The music was indistinct at first, a faraway muffled sound with a repetitive bass line.

From The Daily Beast

He saw all the son in its haggard lines; he heard all the son, in those few indistinct sounds.

From Project Gutenberg

It lay there clear and tranquil, and one could see the swaying of the indistinct green of its banks.

From Project Gutenberg

Indistinct specimens, apparently consisting of decomposed compact felspar.

From Project Gutenberg

Granular quartz-rock of several varieties: and indistinct specimens of a rock approaching to talc-slate.

From Project Gutenberg

Indistinct specimens of greenstone, with adhering quartz; apparently a primitive rock.

From Project Gutenberg