'imprecise' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imprecisus,' where 'im-' meant 'not' and 'precisus' meant 'cut off or precise.'

'imprecisus' transformed into the French word 'imprécis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'imprecise' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not cut off or not precise,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.