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vague fear vs obscure fear

Both 'vague fear' and 'obscure fear' are correct phrases, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Vague fear' implies a fear that is not clearly defined or specific, while 'obscure fear' suggests a fear that is not well understood or known. The choice between the two depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2525 views

vague fear

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a fear that is not clearly defined or specific.

Use 'vague fear' to describe a feeling of fear that is not clearly defined or specific, often lacking details or clarity.

Examples:

  • She felt a vague fear creeping over her as she walked through the dark alley.
  • His vague fear of failure prevented him from taking risks.
  • There was a sense of vague fear in the air, but no one could pinpoint the cause.
  • The movie created a sense of vague fear that lingered long after it ended.
  • The patient described a vague fear of the unknown that was difficult to shake.
  • Plus, I got this vague fear of heights.
  • Why, then, is there all this fuss, all these vague fears about GMOs?
  • How will such a man carry through a long term European policy, if he gives way to moods and vague fears and, against his better judgement, deliberately denigrates the greatest project of the post-war period?
  • Nina Katz and that face had driven me to face my worst fear. I know I was vague on the phone.
  • It looks like I'm hiding behind some vague assertion of executive power because I have something to fear
  • However, I fear that the vague definition of a company's 'participation in capital' as the carrier having 'decisive influence' on the CRS will cause confusion and allow for the distortion of competition.
  • The fear of punishment and the language law's vague wording result in a situation where citizens do not even dare to use their mother tongue in places where it is permitted.
  • I fear therefore, that the real problems will not be addressed but also - this is the second aspect, as vague as it is - that the terms of this dialogue will result in further constraints.

Alternatives:

  • unclear fear
  • indistinct fear
  • ambiguous fear
  • hazy fear
  • nebulous fear

obscure fear

This phrase is correct and less commonly used in everyday language. It conveys a fear that is not well understood or known.

Use 'obscure fear' to describe a fear that is mysterious, not easily understood, or lacking clarity in its origin or nature.

Examples:

  • She couldn't shake off the feeling of obscure fear that haunted her dreams.
  • The painting evoked an obscure fear that left viewers unsettled.
  • His mind was filled with an obscure fear of the supernatural.
  • The novel delved into the protagonist's deep, obscure fears.
  • The town was shrouded in an atmosphere of obscure fear after the strange occurrences.
  • The debate on this directive in committee brought to the surface the most obscure national fears and the most deep-seated mistrust between those of us who are called upon to pursue this common project of social, cultural and political integration, based on the rule of law.
  • To you, sir, I say nothing certain fears, certain mishaps outwardly clear, inwardly obscure nowhere to hide, the door, the wall.
  • However, I fear that we have produced the proverbial Christmas tree - albeit it post-Christmas - of wishes, and of wishes that obscure the main political point.
  • After the laxness of policies, we are now moving in a direction whereby, in the case of avian influenza, an attempt is being made deliberately to obscure the issue by exploiting people's basic fears.

Alternatives:

  • mysterious fear
  • enigmatic fear
  • cryptic fear
  • uncertain fear
  • unfathomable fear

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