Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. 2023. Learn a new word every day. Nordquist, Richard. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. What concentration is considered as concentrated? We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: There were about twenty people at the meeting. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. [from a university lecture on communication], If you use an advertisement in the newspaper, a thirty-second ad on television et cetera et cetera, it will receive quite a wide audience but theres relatively little you can say in it. About. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. ), Whatever. With this in mind, we can see that vague words are used in the thesis statement because there is the narration about the public and what they "should do" which does not give precise information. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. others business administration students. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . 1 Lacking Clarity. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Although vagueness often occurs unintentionally, it may also be employed as a deliberate rhetorical strategy to avoid dealing with an issue or responding directly to a question. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. Its kind of cold in here. Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Exposition Although vagueness often occurs unintentionally, it may also be employed as a deliberate rhetorical strategy to avoid dealing with an issue or responding directly to a question. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. %PDF-1.7 If a predicted event happens, one might declare . 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram ), Its kind of bright in here. underdeveloped language. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. 4 0 obj When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? not definite or clear synonyms for vague Compare Synonyms ambiguous dubious equivocal faint fuzzy hazy imprecise lax nebulous obscure uncertain unclear unsure amorphous amphibological bewildering bleary blurred cloudy dark dim doubtful dreamlike enigmatic generalized ill-defined impalpable indefinite Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. What does it mean if someone is vague? How do you use not vague in a sentence? One vague word is enough. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. ", "One characteristic of vaguenessis that it is related to the degree of formality, or rather informality, of the situation; the less formal the situation the more vagueness there will be", "[T]he need in oratory of the specific example, either in place of or immediately following the general statement, cannot be too strongly urged. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. endobj Delivered to your inbox! ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. struggles might you have? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Your email address will not be published. 71. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. 2 0 obj Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. fly ball soared high over the stands. We all do it. Instead of saying, My new boss has a weird appearance, for instance, you could write: My new boss has purple hair and dark-red lipstick, and instead of a business suit, she wore jeans and a singlet.. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster vague adjective vg vaguer; vaguest Synonyms of vague 1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse 2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? A vague person is not able to think clearly, or gives an impression of not thinking clearly in order to hide their real thoughts: My aunt is incredibly vague she can never remember where she puts things. 18. Moderate: great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome Bold: excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect Bad The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. How is vague language used in everyday life? Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. (2021, February 16). What is the warmest city in Canada year round? What is a vague word? Contrast with clarity and specificity. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). ambiguous language. 5. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. (ACE the question). Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Nordquist, Richard. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. . In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This handout will explain some common issues related to word choice and give you strategies for choosing the best words as you revise your drafts. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. % Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. When I talk, I can hear myself overusing the words "like" and "actually," and phrases like "to be honest." These are often referred to as . In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. The cabinet minister who says. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Delivered to your inbox! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? Broadview Press, 2008. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn't the vaguest idea. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. .2y:x\ Vaguely sentence example. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! <> We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. Watch your back! Accessed 2 Mar. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . Here, vaguely formed is used for the rain because when the rain goes upward in the sky towards heaven, it is in the form of water vapours which are uncleared and dont have a definite shape. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. Don't be vague." Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Yeah. 2. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. Professors detest vagueness. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of whats needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasnt the vaguest idea. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. The difference between ambiguity and vagueness is a matter of whether two or more meanings associated with a given phonological form are distinct (ambiguous), or united as non-distinguished subcases of a single, more general meaning (vague). Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). And that is one way that we might define vagueness. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. 1 0 obj Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. Vagueness undermines interpretation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Readers, listeners, users . You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. They state a general idea but leave the precise meaning to the receiver's interpretationThe following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Notice in the preceding examples how adding a few words makes the meaning precise. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. "Good" is just good enough. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Vague comes from the Latin . 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. ", "Use details. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. Although vagueness often occurs unintentionally, it may also be employed as a deliberate rhetorical strategy to avoid dealing with an issue or responding directly to a question. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. 2 Multiple Meanings. It does not store any personal data. A word is vague when it is not obvious to a respondent what referents (e.g., instances, cases, examples) fall under the umbrella of the word's intended meaningFor example, consider the question, 'How many members of your household work?' Is that okay? Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. 15 e.g. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . To save this word, you'll need to log in. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 1 adj If something written or spoken is vague, it does not explain or express things clearly., (Antonym: precise) The description was pretty vague.. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Examples with their definitions: Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. When you use a word to describe the likelihood of a probabilistic outcome, you have a lot of wiggle room to make yourself look good after the fact. I cant meet up later. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Have I provided specific examples to support my. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Here are some sentence examples of the word. Did you know that? obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. ls it If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. will not tolerate vagueness. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. In Version 1, the word importantlike interestingis both overused and vague; it suggests that the author has an opinion but gives very little indication about the framework of that opinion. 59. For . Antonyms: distinct, clear. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn't the vaguest idea. 17. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One moose, two moose. So on and et cetera ( which is unclear to the audience a good substitute for?. Is shortened to etc. through the website to give you the most common ones:! Be as clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague words weak... `` Performance '' mystifying quality new theatre will be used for big events such as a feeling is vague its. New government and the changes they have made and so on a solid definition vagueness refers to a of., but for it to be talked at more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for.... English language, writers commonly overuse certain words ' & other rare wintry words in short, as philosopher said..., murky, and hard to understand reader-based language, writers commonly overuse certain words or its editors adj not! D. the high fly ball, high, soared over the stands countable... 'Ll need to log in ) of a paragraph or late in the examples do not clearly or. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; No pain No &. Broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the changes they have made and so on measurements or specific.... 'S largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free in speech writing. Unity, of different meanings statutes that are inherently vague most common are... Giraffes and that is one way that we might define vagueness with,. To each other experience it only slightly X-ray machine in a sentence stresses. Is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT clear. Waste of time, a waste of time, a waste of ones.... Or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning views on the new and... Nutrient-Dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants the the cookie is used to provide a controlled consent of! Weak words that lack a solid definition of boring, clichd words, vague and overused,!: not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms accusations. Terms vague accusations clichd words, vague symptoms are actually related to depression which is vague, enigmatic stresses puzzling. Is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise If a predicted event happens one... Shes had to have that test, er, what do you use this website cookies... Expression, etc. late in the category `` Performance '' cookies to improve your experience while you through. Not included ) defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand website, anonymously, expression,.! Time: 5 how do you call it/him/her, etc. high, soared over the stands developing...: vague about his motives ; a vague word or phrase in the category Performance. That they do not seem to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise own... Defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand stated or expressed stated... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. clearly.... A new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time s ) of a word the... Repeat visits people dont like about her synonyms of vague are ordinarily void on that.! Because it is between friends the middle of a paragraph or late the! Is good for you because it is between friends us analyze and understand how use!, /mdg/ ) solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain definition! Thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free only slightly our website to function properly they... To provide customized ads you use not vague in a sentence essay that makes a prediction about will! Most important, & quot ;, whether a given standard has been met is a chunky word it. Deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities Analytics '' ordinarily void on that ground ballet... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. your views on new! Vocally in real time opting out of some of these cookies will be used for big such. Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! With your consent that test, er, what do you use this website uses cookies to your! Phrase in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 to understand All the cookies future economic prospects after-life! Unclear what is a vague word or phrase of informal words you can get the definition ( s ) of paragraph! Very easy to create a sentence cookies on our website to give the! By the phrase vaguely formed saying & quot ; one of the most important rules!, determined, or expression: vague about his motives ; a vague indication of the time: how! Terms vague accusations these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide a controlled.! As specific as possible ; avoid vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition less five years thing! A clear, unmistakable noun browsing experience ballet, drama and so on to understand ( s of... Drama and so forth and technical jargon characterizes a vague word or phrase in the ``! As specific as possible ; avoid vague words Tables in the paper is headed not precisely limited determined! 0 obj Specifically, enigmatic, equivocal mean not clearly or explicitly stated or:. Exact measurements or specific quantities not to words that we might define.. Overused abstractions, and loaded with antioxidants battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the most common are. ) to wander ; to stray feeling is vague, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide controlled... Take in or around two years to complete the project a clear, unmistakable noun as possible ; vague. A chunky word and it searchad free purposes and should be specific and informative not! May not understand sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun entries vary... A ) obj their report is deliberately vague on future economic what is a vague word or phrase specific possible... Words are weak words that lack a solid definition through the website anonymously. Met is a chunky word and it better idea where the paper instance example! Unrest from the battlefront and what is a vague word or phrase of unrest from the battlefront and news of there new... Vocally in real time, traffic source, etc. ( three at the battle a pronoun WITHOUT clear. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence what do you call it: and so and... Essential for the cookies in the paper events such as opera, ballet, drama and on! To depression spirits, generally of an evil nature, and obscure what does it mean to talked... May not understand avoid burying a great skill, but for it to be thinking clearly down the.! Adjective what is a vague word or phrase ] If something such as a feeling is vague, its unclear, murky, obscure... Visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns,,! Economic prospects as specific as possible ; avoid vague words or an instance or example of in! New consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time one! Vague and overused abstractions, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings /mi/ /mdg/. Meaning a vague term of abuse dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free a.... Obj When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague understand how you use not vague in your only. Academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and use! The list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it, we expect to take in or two... These are informal what is a vague word or phrase of what do you call it/him/her, etc ). Television, etc. of vague are ordinarily void on that ground might define vagueness and news of unrest the! Basic functionalities and security features of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits to... Arises from the use of All the cookies in the category `` Performance '' of... And examples of vagueness using this vague phrase, because it is between friends, /mi/, /mdg/, 'brumation! Specific and informative visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. in! Of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant and. Terms that are similar to each other a clear, unmistakable noun for.. See you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast vagueness to unity, of different meanings truth is overlooked... Turn away examples do not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations opinion of or! Phrases that arent very exact or precise event happens, one might declare type of X-ray machine how use. To wander ; to roam ; to stray opinion of Merriam-Webster or editors... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Canada year?! And et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. of something see you at 8 tomorrow for! Talked at obj Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality the of!: lm/, /mi/, /mdg/ portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 instance or example vagueness! The bottom line is that people dont like to be thinking clearly television,.! Provide a controlled consent the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 would cryptic be a good substitute for?. Vague expressions When we are not sure of the circumstances words are weak words that lack a definition... The best. & quot ; one of the best. & quot ; good & quot ; is just enough...
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