'vague' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'vagus,' meaning 'wandering' or 'uncertain.' 'Answer' comes from Old English 'andswaru,' meaning 'a response or reply.'

'Vague' evolved from the Latin 'vagus' through Old French 'vague' into the modern English 'vague.' 'Answer' transformed from Old English 'andswaru' to the modern English 'answer.'

Initially, 'vague' meant 'wandering' or 'uncertain,' and 'answer' meant 'a response or reply.' Over time, 'vaguely-answered' came to describe a response that is not clear or specific.