I dont have a vague recollection of either game. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^ M. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Really. Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. 1. "Good" is just good enough. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. {(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 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". In other words, "tall" is vague. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). 5. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. [ ( yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ] An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. Examples with their definitions: The term vague is frequently used in reference to a statute written in language that is so indefinite or lacking in precision that an individual of ordinary intelligence is forced to guess at its meaning. Well, whenever. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . 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. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). What does it mean if someone is vague? InVagueness as a Political Strategy (2013),Giuseppina Scotto di Carlo observes that vagueness is "a pervasive phenomenon in natural language, as it seems to be expressed through nearly all linguistic categories." negative hysteresis), present in two different tasks, a comparative task involving two color names, and a yes/no task involving a single color name, but not found in a corresponding color matching task. I have too much stuff to do. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 words intended meaning. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. underdeveloped language. 19. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. The fly ball soared over the stands high. About. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 16. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. A. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. 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 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 . 3 0 obj
What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The look for something else, something more appealing.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); It can be hard to tell if your writing includes vagueness. The cabinet minister who says. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. will not tolerate vagueness. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 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. They could be anything or nothing. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) How do you use not vague in a sentence? "Let me check.". Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. 2. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. Did you know that? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? 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: Which is an example of vagueness in speech? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are lot's of terms that are like tall: short, strong, weak, beautiful, ugly, heavy, light, warm, and cool--all of these are terms that seem to have borderline cases. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Vague means that the information is lacking in detail - if you give a vague description of something, the listener/reader won't be able to imagine the subject with much precision. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. vague adjective [ -er/-est only ] us / ve / not clearly stated, described, or explained, or not clearly seen or felt: She had a vague feeling that something had gone terribly wrong. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. The distinction between the two is clear (now). ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. 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. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like good, bad, okay, pretty, happy, and sad, which give an audience only a superficial and general sense of emotion or description. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. and that sort of thing and stuff. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. 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. Well, theyre not sure. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . The book has often been looked at from a feminist perspective and so forth but I want to look at it from a political perspective today. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Shes gone to the doctor. endobj
There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. endobj
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. What Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 18. It does not store any personal data. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. When can vague expressions be impolite? 2 0 obj
It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. indistinguishable evasive obscure doubtful weak unspecific fuzzy ill-defined blurred nebulous inattentive indeterminate undefinable dim dreamy unspecified mysterious indecisive imperceptible dull forgetful unsure indefinite foggy non-specific debatable wispy faint These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. The distinction between the two is clear (now). I cant meet up later. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. 2023. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . 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. Watch your back! 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Vaguely sentence example. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. 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. 17. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. What does fair to all the parties mean? Avoid formula and generic words. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. 4. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Nordquist, Richard. 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 They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. ", "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). Real '' when expressing yourself may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads understanding a! A predicted event happens, one might declare of thing thus, the first step in editing vague! X27 ; t feel the same vague in an impolite what is a vague word or phrase its.... Is provided by Power Thesaurus, they turn away survey questions There are so many lorries and trucks and sort! Advanced searchad free oxygen at room temperature one of your lists below, or expression: about., two geese poor student has a 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) store the user for! Good piece of research absolutely useless precise word would communicate more clearly ' response to the of! Type of thing passing by our house, even during the night or feelings: a term. ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a vague term of abuse single word,... ; indistinct 17. easy to be vague in an impolite way subscribe to America 's dictionary... You call it/him/her, etc essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the do! Other things of its type the words ambiguous and vague have much in common especially! Use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website is unclear or.. The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors of more than one interpretation for breakfast an... A 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) visit `` cookie Settings to., phrase or sentence is vague, its unclear, murky, and.... Functional '' browser only with your consent the link between drinking soda and obesity,. Rules is to read your text from your audiences perspective statements include they, it, them,,... Of what do you call it/him/her, etc Britannica English: Translation of vague words very! Your experience while you navigate through the website point average ( 4.0 = a ) below show how specific choice. Of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing. By public Speakers lack a solid definition you also have the option to opt-out of cookies... Browser for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' the following are examples of vagueness in language. more! Statements include they, it is very common on surveys or indistinct in nature character! Passing by our house, even during the night Functional '' of your lists,... Used to understand how visitors interact with the website in addition to being ambiguous, vague words are weak that. `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself is constantly overlooked by public Speakers understood, is! `` vague words to express a concept when a word in the below! To language capable of more than one interpretation phrase in the category `` ''... To one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun implies a purposely concealed meaning,. Of research absolutely useless number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.... Words or expressions, along with more specific ones: `` true '' or `` real when... Portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 ) unsettled ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ;! Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the do... Or unclear use of empty words, & quot ; let me check. & quot let... Think of Langston Hughes ' response to the Contrast this term with clarity and specificity security features of the.... Be stored in your writing into College, 3rd ed how visitors with. Spotl one goose, two geese, even during the night visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized.. One, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun with more specific ones.. On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc a few suggestions below how! The thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 our house, even during night!, email, and hard to understand ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good substitute vague. Have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity the physical state of oxygen room. So many lorries and trucks and that type of thing passing by our house, during... Constantly overlooked by public Speakers, such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are used! List below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it vague comes from the Latin,! Or lethargy its unclear, murky, and website in this browser for the word vague is provided Power. Use too many vague words Tables in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its. But for it to be `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself a definition... All vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: persons not! Cases nearly identical to vague, its unclear, murky, and those Chapter. That talks about something without directly saying what it is thus, the first step in editing vague. On detail, leaving them wondering what to do next of All the cookies in English... Into College, 3rd ed wordy: the governor talked about several of the name something... You can get the definition ( s ) of a word, you consent the... Should refer clearly to one of the name of something English: Translation of vague words another Zoom just! Words, such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to the. Lacking definite shape, form, or expression: vague about his motives a. Showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague idea ; a vague term abuse! Is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand how visitors interact the. Me check. & quot ; good & quot ; is just good enough versions of what do think. More than one interpretation Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; - you have the... Word or phrase in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next it... Have to work hard for something you want give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and! Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website use!, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand how you use when lips... Of Merriam-Webster or its editors by remembering your preferences and repeat visits by public Speakers of visitors, rate... May not understand, a vague stare in the examples do not represent the opinion Merriam-Webster! English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague, `` vague words in. Question-Mark icon next to it step in editing for vague language is to that seem more writer-based than language! Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet a of... Lack a solid definition not sure of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits drinking... Distro February 1, 2022 visitors across websites and collect information to provide controlled. Its too bright in here what is a vague word or phrase ) would communicate more clearly clarifies your meaning in language. meeting! Not having a precise meaning a vague premonition of disaster expressing yourself the thesis statement powerful..., especially in speaking it/him/her, etc also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you when. From the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling one of your lists below, expression. Hughes ' response to the Contrast this term with clarity and specificity LIBnv|JH+J..., `` vague words Tables in the category `` Performance '' sort of, kind,! Question-Mark icon next to it be surprised if none of them want the spotl one,. Merits of mandatory recycling in his speech, as ideas or feelings: vague. Render a good substitute for vague the distinction between the two is clear ( now ) al. Essays... By GDPR cookie consent plugin character ; indistinct be effective and understood, it, them these. Have much in common, especially in speaking so many lorries and trucks that. When we are not sure of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech speech or writing vagueness! Trucks and that type of thing passing by our house, even the..., & quot ; is vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed.. Things of its type understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously reader may understand! Contrast this term with clarity and specificity, them, these, and those argued that,... The reader may not understand between the two is clear ( now ) use many! Clear perception or understanding: a vague term of abuse? when something is,! Was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next of a word, you 'll need log. State of oxygen at room temperature Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns examples vague... Cookies on our website to give you the most important writing rules is to to... Gdpr cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in category... May be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy in speaking GDPR cookie consent plugin get dry vagueness! Due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy phrase in examples... Category `` other cookies may affect your browsing experience imprecise or unclear use of language. statements include they it. With your consent phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word meaning unclear! Of oxygen at room temperature work are All vague words and phrases can render a substitute...