Haze, mist, fog, smog denote an atmospheric condition which deprives the air near the earth of its transparency.
Haze applies to such a condition as is caused by the diffusion of smoke, dust, or a light vapor through the air in such a way as to impede but not obstruct the vision and to convey little or no impression of dampness.
Mist applies to a condition where water is held in suspension in fine particles in the air, floating or slowly falling in minute drops.
A fog differs from a mist only in its greater density and its greater power to cut off the vision and differs from a cloud in being near to the ground.
Smog applies to a fog made heavier and darker by the smoke of an industrial area.
In extended use haze suggests vagueness or lack of clear definition of thought or feeling.
Mist applies to what can be only dimly apprehended because of its remoteness or to something which prevents exact knowledge or clear understanding.
Fog implies an obscuring of the mental or spiritual vision or of whatever can be detected only by such vision.