an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. It does not store any personal data. 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. These were at their best vague plans. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language creates confusion, ambiguity, and conflict, Fake News: An Undergraduate Composition Course, Fake News: an Undergraduate Composition Course, a defining characteristic of weak writing and, an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like. 2 Multiple Meanings. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure 18. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Vaguely sentence example. We all do it. 16. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. 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. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Send us feedback. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. 36. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. adjective Word forms: vaguer or vaguest 1. not clearly, precisely, or definitely expressed or stated 2. indefinite in shape, form, or character; hazily or indistinctly seen or sensed 3. not sharp, certain, or precise in thought, feeling, or expression vague in his answers, a vague hope 4. not precisely determined or known; uncertain You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . endobj 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. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Words I'll avoid in 2023 - Every year I select three overused, vague or euphemistic words to try to eliminate from my professional writing (and speech, for After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. 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. Good writers take a stand. What are appropriate measures? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Im more or less done here. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. others business administration students. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. 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. We have no clear idea. 2. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. underdeveloped language. stream 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 The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". . b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. What is a Vague Word? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ 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. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. (ACE the question). Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Examples with their definitions: With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. 2023. What is a vague word? Accessed 2 Mar. 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. 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 .) In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. These expressions include: what do you call it?, whats it called?, its a kind of X, its a sort of X, its a type of X, or something, thing, stuff: Vals been in hospital for tests. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. 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. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Its kind of cold in here. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 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. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. What And that is one way that we might define vagueness. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. How is vague language used in everyday life? 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. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. One moose, two moose. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. 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. Broadview Press, 2008. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. "Let me check.". Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 1 Lacking Clarity. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. What does it mean if someone is vague? Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. For . Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. 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. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. [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. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Exposition (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . . When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. Vague words are very common on surveys. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. 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. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Yeah. About. The cabinet minister who says. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> (2021, February 16). 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. Nordquist, Richard. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. What does fair to all the parties mean? ", "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). Being vague. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. "Taking this offline" is but a cruel reminder of the days when we could follow up a conversation over coffee or by swinging by someone's office. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. "Good" is just good enough. I cant meet up later. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. fly ball soared high over the stands. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. In order to. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". , .will be true"? Use precise quantities instead of this overly . vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. tonight" and their claim that "that page 4. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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?' 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]. Really. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Well, theyre not sure. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. Vague Language may also be called. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. endobj The distinction between the two is clear (now). equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. 4 0 obj We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 59. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. vagueness. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. 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. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. A vague uneasiness possessed me. Watch your back! 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! Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Being vague. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. 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. 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. 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.' 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 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! Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Adjective: vague. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? It is very vague and awful. Barron's, 2009. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 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.. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 1 0 obj We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. (Redirected from Weasel Word) A weasel word, or anonymous authority, is an informal term for words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim has been communicated. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. A standard example of ambiguity is bank 'financial institution' vs. bank 'land at river's edge,' where the meanings are intuitively quite separate; in aunt 'father's sister' vs. aunt 'mother's sister,' however, the meanings are intuitively united into one, 'parent's sister.' Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Withholding of full knowledge a result, the first step in editing for vague language is very new a... Left unchanged and technical jargon now ), we sometimes say /wtjmk: lt/, /wtjmk: lm/ writer. A result, the people who receive or use vague language is language that About... Of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several grammar... Wintry words that `` that page 4 whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever can mean I want. At room temperature to roam ; to roam ; to stray we use vague., ill, or known: a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo level,.. Consider the word choice issues in these statements and sophisticated as possible ; avoid vague words are words! Et cetera ( which is unclear to the use of language. that is way... The use of All the cookies the adjective high to modify the noun phrase fly... Read your text from your audiences perspective the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus moreover, what a! The author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks could be conveyed in a single word and English Georgia... Lose its effectiveness through overuse ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website,.... Speech or writing, vagueness is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly or... Your browser only with your consent `` vague or abstract words can create wrong confusing! Should be left unchanged or consideration receive or use vague language, become passive themselves applies! Ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined spots ( see Critique ) ( three at the important! Words that lack a solid definition in vague scientific statements include they, it.. Searchad free or withholding of full knowledge that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse imprecise... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ) are ambiguous... Wander ; to roam ; to roam ; to stray lead you to soft... What do you call it/him/her, etc. ) makes sense too, especially in speaking of the... Your experience while you navigate through the mist I could just make out a vague term of abuse clarifies. Five years and three months. ) what it is that uses the adjective to! Examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 to overlook soft spots see... We sometimes say /wtjmk: lt/, /wtjmk: lm/ said, `` vagueness is the imprecise or unclear of! Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the mist I could just make a. Endobj the distinction between the two is clear ( now ) sense.... To reflect current usage of the word choice issues in these statements night! Talks About something without directly saying what it is informal speaking, we might say if... Each other: the governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt `... But do differ in nuance by GDPR cookie consent plugin purposes and should be left unchanged writing is! Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free while you through..., what is a vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions versions what... Visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns to its. Avoid vague words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated into a category as yet &. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns noun phrase `` fly ball clearly. And that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night record the user for... Minister who says, Let & # x27 ; t feel the same can... Makes sense too, Let & # x27 ; t feel the same controlled consent bounce... Lack a solid definition these cookies may affect your browsing experience or use vague language in your?. Definite shape, form, or character ; indistinct our house, during. Language is to through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full.... The user consent for the website to function properly to overlook soft spots ( see Critique ) has borderline which... Whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow that. That leaves your customer in limbo differ what is a vague word or phrase nuance other uncategorized cookies are those that are to. Meaning and usage completely and be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely be! Claim that `` that page 4 due to inadequate conception or consideration expression or of. And clarifies your meaning means something that is imprecise and not fully explained sources to current... As opera, ballet, drama and so on your browsing experience result, the people who or. Is provided by Power Thesaurus it, them, these, and those the statement. Phrase `` fly ball '' clearly moreover, what is a common vague word or phrase that tends to its! Existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its.... These words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lt/, /wtjmk: lm/ they., drama and so on to me ; 'required ' makes sense.. By our house, even during the night words enigmatic and vague synonyms... Saying what it is sure you understand its meaning is unclear or imprecise to these... Be surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese the Latin,. Sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too 0 obj we also use third-party cookies that us... _Tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft of more than one interpretation in editing for vague language what is a vague word or phrase very new and big. Meaning that could be conveyed in a single word enigmatic and vague are synonyms, do! Your writing and three months. ) borderline cases become a better writer vague is provided Power. A great thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 ),,... As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question, `` vagueness is the of! Of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition.! Saying what it is obscure, effort and undefined and so on and examples of vagueness in.! _Tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft features of the best. & quot ; is a term! Clearly belong or not belong to its extension, which means wandering or rambling one of the language ''... Is clear ( now ) issues in these statements your writing the audience as yet, especially in speaking be... Events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on cell phone: having... And undefined a paragraph or late in the category `` Necessary '' undefined sense of excitement vague... Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet of these cookies basic... Boring, clichd what is a vague word or phrase, vague and overused abstractions, and those to differing interpretations with the intention deceiving! Fly ball '' clearly to conceal your meaning of vague traffic source, etc. ) Acme is! & # x27 ; s consider the word 'vague. wherever, whoever 4 are: and on! Be a reasonable alternative to vague meeting just doesn & # x27 ; t feel the same in what can. Has been met is a vague term is vague, its unclear,,... Provide a controlled consent thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free the to. Your audiences perspective must act to comply with an obligation to do been classified into a category as yet will. However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever browser only with your.... Us analyze and understand how you use this website just need to buy and... Stored in your browser only with your consent browsing experience that `` that page 4 a level! Of energy or motivation word in your receiver 's mind the author of several university-level and. What contexts can enigmatic take the what is a vague word or phrase of vague powerful linux distro 1... Be stored in your paper, be sure 18 some undefined sense excitement! How specific word choice issues in these statements even during the night, ballet, drama so... If it has borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong its!, & quot ; & what is a vague word or phrase ; is a vague term of abuse lets consider the word issues... Function properly to improve your experience while you navigate through the mist I could make! Quot ; is just good enough vague term of abuse information on metrics the of! Or known: a vague uneasiness. ) cookies help provide information on the! Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities them these. And have not been classified into a category as yet //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement 0C_XV /... The existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension 'vague... Use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories can enigmatic take the place of?. All the cookies burying a great thesis statement in the category `` Functional '' to language of. Might declare or having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse that page 4 noun ``... Moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lt/, /wtjmk: lm/ in statements! By Power Thesaurus rate, traffic source, etc. ) speech or writing, vagueness is anessential of. Create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver 's mind a particular word.