unclear question

[/ʌnˈklɪr ˈkwɛʃtʃən/]
noun phrasepl: unclear questions
pergunta pouco clara / pergunta confusa
1. A question that is ambiguous, vague, or difficult to understand; a question lacking clarity in its formulation or intent
The teacher asked an unclear question that left the students confused about what she wanted them to answer.
A professora fez uma pergunta confusa que deixou os alunos confundidos sobre o que ela queria que respondessem.
2. A question whose meaning is not immediately apparent or whose purpose is obscure
His unclear question made it difficult for the committee to provide a direct answer.
Sua pergunta pouco clara dificultou que a comissão fornecesse uma resposta direta.
In Brazilian educational and professional contexts, unclear questions are often addressed by asking for clarification ('Pode esclarecer melhor?' - Can you clarify that better?). This reflects a communication style that values directness in seeking understanding. In the US, particularly in academic settings, unclear questions may be more formally documented or revisited in writing to ensure precision.
NYC Slang
a whack question / a bogus question
Synonyms / Sinônimos
ambiguous questionvague questionconfusing questionpoorly worded questionmuddled question
Antonyms / Antônimos
clear questionprecise questionstraightforward questiondirect questionwell-defined question

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pergunta confusa / pergunta pouco clara
Most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pergunta meio confusa / pergunta embolada
More colloquial usage; 'embolada' means tangled or muddled
São Paulo
pergunta imprecisa / pergunta vaga
More formal, business-oriented usage
Portugal
pergunta pouco clara / questão ambígua
Portuguese European often uses 'questão' instead of 'pergunta' in formal contexts

Related Words

clarifyambiguityconfusionrephraseinterpretation

Related Idioms & Phrases

beat around the bush
speak in riddles
talk in circles
ask a loaded question
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