fuzzy impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fuzzy impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vague or unclear perception or understanding of something. Example: "After the meeting, I was left with a fuzzy impression of the project's goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Apparently, Hendriks left a fuzzy impression on Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine.

The New York Times

There's another dozen that I can't readily define but can understand in context, like antediluvian (I have the fuzzy impression that it means "old") and about half of those are actually foreign words, so those don't totally count.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He might run for re-election, but it won't be due to a warm and fuzzy first impression.

The New York Times

Investors want to engage with the entrepreneur, and this did not give a warm and fuzzy first impression.

The New York Times

No fuzzy feeling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Worse, in their race to process through those applicants, recruiters often use fuzzy and subjective impressions of a candidate to match them to a role, rather than clear and unambiguously objective facts.

TechCrunch

"The long books I talk about will be made up of fragments, stumps, single words, woolly strands, fuzzy tableaux, and the crucial impression.

The New Yorker

Interval-valued fuzzy sets are useful for modeling impressions and quantifying the ambiguous nature of subjective judgments in a convenient way.

Applied Soft Computing

The theory of interval type-2 fuzzy sets is useful and convenient for modeling impressions and quantifying the ambiguous nature of subjective judgments.

Information Fusion

The Gore campaign charged in a statement that "using Washington-fuzzy math, Bush tried to create the false impression that under Clinton-Gore the budget on the war on drugs had been slashed".

The New York Times

The memory may be fuzzy, but everyone was left with the same impressions: the ads were edgy, some were really funny, and they all ended with the same tagline and image.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fuzzy impression" when you want to convey that someone has a vague or incomplete understanding of something. It's particularly effective when describing initial reactions or incomplete information.

Common error

Avoid using "fuzzy impression" when you actually have a strong, well-defined opinion. This phrase is best suited for situations where understanding is genuinely unclear, not when you're simply being diplomatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fuzzy impression" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "fuzzy" modifies the noun "impression". It describes the quality or characteristic of the impression, indicating that it is not clear or well-defined. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fuzzy impression" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a vague or unclear understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a lack of clarity, appearing often in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While appropriate for many situations, more precise language might be preferable in formal settings. When using the phrase, be sure that a synonym such as "unclear perception" would not add to the overall quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear perception

Substitutes "fuzzy" with "unclear" and "impression" with "perception", highlighting the lack of clarity.

hazy notion

Uses "hazy" instead of "fuzzy" and "notion" in place of "impression", implying a lack of distinctness.

vague idea

Replaces "impression" with "idea", suggesting a less defined mental picture.

blurred understanding

Replaces "fuzzy impression" with a phrase focusing on the lack of clarity in comprehension.

imprecise sense

Emphasizes the lack of precision in the feeling or understanding.

indistinct recollection

Focuses on the lack of clarity in a remembered experience.

shadowy recollection

Replaces "fuzzy" with "shadowy", to express an obscured understanding

weak sense

Suggests that the impression is faint or not strongly formed.

fleeting perception

Emphasizes the transient and unclear nature of the perception.

tenuous grasp

Conveys a fragile or uncertain understanding of something.

FAQs

What does "fuzzy impression" mean?

A "fuzzy impression" signifies a vague, unclear, or incomplete understanding or recollection of something. It suggests a lack of precise details or a hazy mental image.

How can I use "fuzzy impression" in a sentence?

You can use "fuzzy impression" to describe someone's understanding, for example: "After the presentation, I had a "fuzzy impression" of the project's timeline."

What are some alternatives to "fuzzy impression"?

Alternatives to "fuzzy impression" include "vague idea", "unclear perception", or "hazy notion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fuzzy impression" in formal writing?

While "fuzzy impression" is acceptable, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "incomplete understanding" or "unclear recollection" for greater clarity and impact.