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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 • 2545 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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