vague inquiry

[/veɪɡ ɪnˈkwaɪəri/]
noun phrasepl: vague inquiries
pergunta vaga
1. A question or request for information that lacks clarity, specificity, or precise details
His vague inquiry about the project left everyone confused about what he actually wanted to know.
Sua pergunta vaga sobre o projeto deixou todos confusos sobre o que ele realmente queria saber.
2. An investigation or examination that is not clearly defined or lacks concrete parameters
The vague inquiry into the company's finances was criticized for not having clear objectives.
A pergunta vaga sobre as finanças da empresa foi criticada por não ter objetivos claros.
3. A request for information expressed in general terms without specific focus or direction
She made a vague inquiry about possible job opportunities in the department.
Ela fez uma pergunta vaga sobre possíveis oportunidades de emprego no departamento.
In both American and Brazilian business contexts, vague inquiries are often seen as unprofessional or indicative of lack of preparation. In Brazilian culture, it may be more socially acceptable in casual conversations, but in formal settings such as corporate environments, clarity is highly valued. The phrase reflects a preference for direct communication in professional settings across both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unclear questionambiguous inquiryindefinite questionfuzzy inquirygeneral question
Antonyms / Antônimos
specific inquiryclear questionprecise inquirydetailed questiondirect inquiry

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
pergunta vaga
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
pergunta vaga / investigação vaga
Used in both formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pergunta vaga / indagação vaga
Slightly more informal usage
Portugal
pergunta vaga / indagação vaga
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese; may use 'investigação pouco clara'

Related Words

ambiguityclarificationspecificityquestioninginvestigationvagueness

Related Idioms & Phrases

fishing for information
beating around the bush
asking in a roundabout way
not getting to the point
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