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unclear origin

[/ʌnˈklɪr ˈɒrɪdʒɪn/]
noun phrasepl: unclear origins
origem obscura / origem desconhecida
1. A source or beginning of something that is not clearly known, understood, or documented
The word has an unclear origin, so linguists debate its etymology.
A palavra tem uma origem obscura, por isso os linguistas debatem sua etimologia.
2. Something whose source or derivation cannot be precisely determined
The manuscript is of unclear origin, making its authenticity questionable.
O manuscrito é de origem desconhecida, o que torna sua autenticidade questionável.
Synonyms
unknown originobscure originmysterious originindeterminate origin
Antonyms
clear originknown origindocumented originestablished origin

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
origem obscura / origem desconhecida
Most commonly used in both spoken and written Portuguese
Portugal
origem incerta / origem nebulosa
Alternative expressions sometimes preferred in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

lost in the mists of time
shrouded in mystery
de origem duvidosa
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