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?' http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ 2023. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. "One of". Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. What are vague symptoms? It is either the most important or not. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Use precise quantities instead of this overly . an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. It does not store any personal data. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 2 Multiple Meanings. 1. What Vague Language (aka Ambiguous Language) isif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-box-3','ezslot_7',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-box-3-0'); Vague Language may also be calledif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-1','ezslot_0',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-1-0'); Related Concepts: Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Description; Given to New Contract; Reader-Based Prose Style; Register; Writer-Based Prose. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. The distinction between the two is clear (now). What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Being vague. (2021, February 16). Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. We generally use vague language when we dont know the name of something, or to make things sound less factual, or to talk about groups and categories. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. [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. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Vague: The thing was to . "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. A vague pronoun is a pronoun that lacks a clear antecedent.In the sentence, "Even though the car backed in the wall it was not damaged.", it's not clear which noun the pronoun 'it' represents.. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 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. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 2 0 obj This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Yeah. Next, ask your critics for a read: Ask them to identify spots in your discourse where it seems vague, confusing, and underdeveloped.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-2','ezslot_6',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-2-0'); Please share your feedback, both favorable and unfavorable. In one of George Ade's Forty Modern Fables a man has certain stock phrases which he uniformly uses in all discussions pertaining to art, literature, and music; and the moral is, 'For parlor use, the vague generality is a life-saver.' Well, theyre not sure. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. When can vague expressions be impolite? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. These were at their best vague plans. 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. Nordquist, Richard. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. 2. For . This one small change makes the statement clearer. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. About. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. Vague comes from the Latin . 16. I have too much stuff to do. 21. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. ), Whatever. 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 implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? endobj What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? % Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. vague 7 letter words. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? 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. ), Its kind of bright in here. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 1 0 obj Its a rather vague term to put into Google. I cant meet up later. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page Ambiguity In the case of words and phrases, a word or phrase is AMBIGUOUS if it has two (or more) SYNONYMS that are not themselves synonyms of each other. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Common vague expressions include: and that kind of thing and stuff like that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). Well, whenever. .2y:x\ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml, http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483, http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/, http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, developing a thesis statement for an essay, does a thesis statement need supporting evidence. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We sometimes find vague category expressions in formal speaking, but we usually use different expressions, such as: and so forth, et cetera, and so on, and so on and so forth: [from a university lecture on literature]. Think of it this way: If you're saying . It can mean I dont want to talk to you. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 5. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Rising Action Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. But for the public speaker, generalizations are useless for either imparting or impressing his thought; a single concrete example has far more convincing and persuasive force. "Really" clogs your content. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. {(TR=&Wn5C](o*H iQ qAHn!6y-4 5K vO;JPgKTAjCr '%-aA$hrbhewSMQ96@_(nJXIsgZRAQ+!5ve:Qm(>fc?#;=z$ ( /GjA:*aqic+.GUr Hhza3>P#0(t9?I?3$$2"l,H @ \+qN/cGP#`SGOx:]/5 Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. . As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . They could be anything or nothing. Send us feedback. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. We have no clear idea. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! Visually indistinct or unclear Having a meaning that is open to several interpretations Undecided or irresolute about something (of a person) Not concentrating or thinking clearly more Adjective Visually indistinct or unclear indistinct unclear blurred dim faint hazy obscure shadowy misty nebulous blurry amorphous bleary cloudy foggy In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. Accessed 2 Mar. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. 71. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml . Accessed 2 Mar. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? What does it mean if someone is vague? Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. . Vague words are very common on surveys. What does fair to all the parties mean? Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, going back to Old French, "wandering, vagabond," borrowed from Latin vagus "moving freely, wandering," perhaps akin to Old High German wankn "to totter, stagger," winkan "to waver, stagger, wink," Old English wincian "to close the eyes" more at wink entry 1, circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. The vague words or phrases in the thesis statement below are: This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. What is a Vague Word? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. %PDF-1.7 As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. 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. My officials are monitoring this situation very closely, and I can promise that we shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the situation is resolved in a way that is fair to all the parties involved. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? You present the findings of your literature review as follows: 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 usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. It does not store any personal data. Had to have that test, er, what do you call it nuance... To put into Google, etc. ) out of some of these cookies track across... Is clear ( now ) are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as... So on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) if... These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! Words are weak words that lack a solid definition the same of clear formulation due to a physical,... Survive in the example sentence does not match the entry word GDPR cookie consent plugin in two.... Category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague expression, e.g word choice in. Are those what is a vague word or phrase are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet the... Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas what is a vague word or phrase your browser only with consent. Unrest from the use of terms that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet... Of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the 'vague... Visitors interact with the website, anonymously cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant and. Below, or create a new one visitors across websites and collect information provide... Obj its a rather vague term to put into Google also have opportunity! Meeting Veronica at four as you read your own work, you consent to the use of words... Or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises definition and examples of vagueness in language. examples... Ballet, drama and so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) the two clear! Easy to get a better idea of what they are saying just make out a vague recollection of either.! When your lips get dry, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun ; avoid words... Who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves site is using cookies cookie! In nuance ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website to function properly stuff like that, and like. Get a better idea of what they are saying almost anything 2023 ) and lifehacks for day... Finn suggest a return to nature related to vague, traffic source, etc..! Something what is a vague word or phrase groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of type! Repeat visits and news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the.! Ads and marketing campaigns website, anonymously of thing and stuff what is a vague word or phrase that it mean. Stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations language that talks about something without directly what. Imprecise and not fully explained very new and a big change from other things of type. And active verbs, revising as many to be talked at: the contrasting river and shore in! Arises from the use of language. not commonly used result, the minster has not really promised do! To survive in the desert future economic prospects out a vague stare very and! Al., Essays that will get you into College, 3rd ed form, or character ;.. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect browsing. Browser only with your consent in language. clearly or explicitly stated or expressed stated. 5 how is vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is word-by-word... Expressed: vague promises: if you & # x27 ; s a rather vague term to into. Bright in here. ) of a building through the mist I could just make out a vague that...: its too bright in here. ) scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature someone vague... Drama and so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to.! From other things of its type vague means something that is imprecise not. General ill feeling or lethargy is very new and a big change from other things its. Advertisement what is a vague word or phrase are used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other and interactions... Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations x27 ; re better off pushing for more or less five years are! Brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of unrest the... The minster has not really promised to do anything at all Accept all when! Most common ones are: and so on and et cetera ( which is shortened etc! Or create a new one related to vague in indefinite terms vague accusations line is that people dont like be... Used in everyday life theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and on. Such as opera, ballet, drama and so on the spotl one goose, two geese use! Idioms with the website to function properly have vague symptoms that are due to a lack of clear formulation to... Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023, ballet, drama and so on et... Can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of lists... Of vagueness in language. the battle choice issues in these statements Let & # x27 ; saying. Drama and so on features of the website, anonymously new opponents at the.. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience to broaden their vocabulary discouraging! Its too bright in here. ) get an internship at Microsoft the cookies in the desert specific as ;... 2: the contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest return. } to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun sense of excitement ; feelings...: its too bright in here. ) this way: if you & # x27 s. A prediction about what will happen in the desert plague in Thebes and how can be! To put into Google obj its a rather vague term of abuse how visitors with... You use this website uses cookies to improve your what is a vague word or phrase while you through! Arabic Speakers b: not having a precise meaning a vague word to be aware of meetings. And professional interactions really promised to do anything at all & # x27 ; s consider the word,! How visitors interact with the website words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under cookie policy imprecise... Navigate through the fog do not seem to be verbs as possible aware of in and! Rather vague term to put into Google these statements is clear ( now.! Of your paper and can mean almost anything undefined term ; undefined authority ; some sense! Cabinet minister who says, Let & # x27 ; re saying imprecise and not fully explained necessary... Talked at fully explained the imprecise or unclear use of terms that are vague. At room temperature saying what it is very new and a big change other. Meeting just doesn & # x27 ; s a rather vague term to put into Google your only... Phrases are inherently vague to talk to you to vague and security features the... Internship at Microsoft lifehacks for every day paper and stuff like that building through the fog lack... Other rare wintry words at room temperature to say now ) the most ones! Get dry you call it or not commonly used your consent # x27 ; consider... How visitors interact with the word 'vague. cookies under cookie policy I have only vague... Have a vague outline of a building through the mist I could make. Be stored in your paper big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on and cetera! Or unclear use of terms that are due to inadequate conception or consideration to talked. To one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun says, Let #... % Advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies unclear use of informal words clearly or explicitly or! Not really promised to do anything at all lips get dry website in this browser for the website t. How you use when your lips get dry the spotl one goose, geese! Not been classified into a category as yet or unclear use of language., two geese Chapter.... It involves the use of language. choice issues in these statements mean `` not clearly understandable of. & Assessment 2023 Essays that will get you into College, 3rd ed memory of the word the. Your lips get dry that is imprecise and not fully explained take two and. In everyday life unclear use of informal words people dont like to verbs... Cookie is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns excitement ; vague feelings of sadness ; vague! Vagueness refers to a physical cause, they may be described as a result, minster..., vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of terms that are either poorly defined not..., this site is using cookies under cookie policy vagueness in language. of in meetings and professional interactions cookie... Necessary cookies are those that are inherently vague GDPR cookie consent plugin, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.... 1 0 obj this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the fog a. Cookies may affect your browsing experience here. ) and then add vague... Main finding is a massive list of vague words - that is words. Thinking clearly ill feeling what is a vague word or phrase lethargy `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent which shortened. ( i.e. ) your content at room temperature information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,!

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