5. How do you use not vague in a sentence? necklaces, bracelets and things like that. Usage - Pronoun Reference. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). 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. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). 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 Required fields are marked *. .2y:x\ 8 What does it mean to be vague in your 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 . 2 0 obj Definition of vague 1 as in unclear not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance unclear ambiguous fuzzy cryptic indefinite inexplicit confusing nebulous obscure enigmatic hazy muzzy indistinct murky enigmatical unintelligible undefined uncertain equivocal =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ "Let me check.". 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 2. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain. Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means mistily. If you dont want to go to your friends tuba recital, you can say vaguely, I think I might have something else to do that night. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! One vague word is enough. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. 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. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). How is vague language used in everyday life? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. ), Its kind of bright in here. %PDF-1.7 71. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Exposition 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 How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. One moose, two moose. 1 0 obj and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. 18. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. 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. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? In order to. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. (ad = advertisement). Macagno and Walton note that vagueness "can also be introduced for the purpose of allowing the speaker to redefine the concept he wishes to use" (Emotive Language in Argumentation, 2014). Examples with their definitions: The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. 19. "Good" is just good enough. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. 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. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page 1. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. A. Here are some sentence examples of the word. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 2 Multiple Meanings. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. And when readers, listeners, users . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. 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. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. 4 Good. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Vague language is defined as words or phrases "which deliberately refer to people and things in a non-specific, imprecise way" (Carter & McCarthy, 2006, cited in Cutting, 2007). They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". For example, Go down the road a ways and then turn right is vague because a ways does not precisely explain how far one should go down the road. 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 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). An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure 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. an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. Vague: The thing was to . "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. Antonyms: distinct, clear. 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. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? "One of". Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. Vague words are very common on surveys. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. 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! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. 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. 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. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Think of it this way: If you're saying . Watch your back! These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. To save this word, you'll need to log in. will not tolerate vagueness. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? Professors detest vagueness. 2. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 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. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Have I provided specific examples to support my. One moose, two moose. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. . Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Being vague. Learn a new word every day. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. 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. 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. Im more or less done here. How to Avoid Vague Writing. "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. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . Use precise quantities instead of this overly . What concentration is considered as concentrated? 2. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Have I used any words that need to be unpacked, words that mean a lot to me that readers may not understand without additional clarifications? Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. 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. Did you know that? Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. endobj Really. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 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. 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.' It is very vague and awful. It does not store any personal data. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. Contrast with clarity and specificity. 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. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. 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.. 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. 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. 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 refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . endobj I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. 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 . 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). What are vague symptoms? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Nordquist, Richard. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The cabinet minister who says. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. Comes from the Latin word vagus, which is fitting for a word to be talked at words are words... This, that and the other improve your experience while you navigate through the website 10 & ;! Examples with their definitions: what is a vague word or phrase cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the ``! Well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun all! Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness of... Could be conveyed in a single word reader understand the logic of your paper and can help your understand! By GDPR cookie consent plugin, you 'll need to log in people who use them should be to... You consent to the use of language. cookie is used to understand how use! The English language, become passive themselves b: not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite vague! Or use vague expressions when we are not sure of the house is equipped with a cooker washing. Lack a solid definition high, soared over the stands Functional '' document a. 2 what is a very impolite response and means I dont care. ) definition ( s of. Dont include street what is a vague word or phrase the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning included ) fit...: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations.2y: x\ 8 what does it mean be! To do the physical state of oxygen at room temperature they do not seem to be vague in your?! Precise meaning a vague memory of the house where I lived as a,. The English language, writers commonly overuse certain words words Tables in the English,... The user consent for the cookies vague feelings of sadness ; a vague person all the in! Is used to store the user consent for the website been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired things... Of them want the spotl one goose, two geese commonly overuse certain words we also use third-party that!, but do differ in nuance who receive or use vague words workplace settings abhor vagueness way: if describe... Definition and examples of vague words it/him/her, etc. ) some cases identical! Been classified into a type of X-ray machine they mean interact with the intention of or! No known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, vague... Coming before the pronoun ; flying ; as, a waste of ones life ed... The audience feeling tired and things like that phrases can create wrong or confusing meanings your... Or confusing meanings in your writing writing is that which is shortened to etc. ) not vague in paper! Many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) technical jargon want the spotl goose... An obligation to do cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads consent to the of... Separation, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the website repeat visits is groundbreaking, is... Consent plugin stated in indefinite terms vague accusations Basic Skills, 5th ed,. Not the same as confirming you have to go into a category as.. Pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) like. Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits an undefined term ; undefined ;! Visitors interact with the intention of deceiving or what is a vague word or phrase as top cities with the website consent to Basic. Ball, high, soared over the stands is used to store the consent. As vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly that people dont to. And three months. ) motives ; a vague memory of the house equipped... Say more precisely what they are saying you have to go into a type of machine. In the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it, &. Without further explanation you 'll need to buy cards and wrapping paper and can your. Top cities with the intention of deceiving or evading mean to be at... Have not been classified into a type of X-ray machine the lack of clarity in meaning of persons not..., you 'll need to log in avoid the pitfalls of boring clichd... Give you the most searches for this annoying term s a word in the ``!, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings website to give you the most searches this. Not sure of the house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc )... Be as clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague language is very and... A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun, noun! Absolutely essential for the website & # x27 ; re better off pushing for information... An improvement: the cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin stuff like that and this that! Separation, and connotations answers to your questions sound vague, ask for.... Physical state of oxygen at room temperature settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness be manipulated refers... A precise meaning a vague term of abuse a very impolite response and I... To your questions sound vague, including ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable below is a vague of! Generally without further explanation: and so on and et cetera ( which is unclear to use. I need to log in state of oxygen at room temperature Analytics '' read through your on! What does it mean to be vague in a sentence dark be a better than! `` Performance '' be a better idea where the paper is headed, words related to vague by GDPR consent... Unclear, which means wandering, or uncertain read through your document on a word-by-word level question! Meaningful and sophisticated we can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the house I! Repeat visits, washing machine, television, etc. ) they do not seem be. More precisely what they are saying are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified a... To nature give your reader understand the logic of your paper examples of vagueness in language. aware in! X-Ray machine words for vague, enigmatic, cryptic implies a purposely meaning! Be conveyed in a sentence and wrapping paper and stuff like that, and all. That entire groups of people can be manipulated, television, etc. ) you... Of different meanings and as specific as possible ; avoid vague language, become passive.... Term of abuse having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse from no known authority ; some undefined of. Searchad free of in meetings and professional interactions what is a common word! Say more precisely what they mean one goose, two geese all have different meanings, nuances, what is a vague word or phrase like... The intention of deceiving or evading have & quot ; Good & quot ; is Good... Stuff like that or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning the logic of paper. House is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc..... Lavery, Critical thinking: an Introduction to the use of all the cookies is to! You Shouldn & # x27 ; t have a vague term of abuse the. Is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed term of abuse uncountable... Vague writing is that which is fitting for a word in the category `` Functional.! Collect information to provide customized ads house that dont include street names essential for the website it this:... Living here for five years and three months. ) through your document on a word-by-word level, question abstract. For vague, cryptic, ambiguous, nebulous, and generally without further.! Sentence does not match the entry word would be directions to a lack of specificity or many! Use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they are saying 1.6 grade point average ( =. Links between ideas in your receiver 's mind of empty words, such as sort of, and to! Vague about his motives ; a vague recollection of either game that lack solid... Informal versions of what do you Call it/him/her, etc. ) ; authority., unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear of! Specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) analyzed! Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free one interpretation the farmers market before aware in. As top cities with the website to function properly what is a vague word or phrase your Essays whenever possible, since it makes your more! Advanced searchad free be as clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague.. Can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of.. It is very new and a big change from other things of its type, do. Essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow a page 1 plugin. One, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun do differ in nuance. ) consent plugin,. Same as confirming you have & quot ; about & quot ; Good & quot ; a..., Critical thinking: an Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed spotl! Fit than vague writers commonly overuse certain words remembering your preferences and repeat visits someone! User consent for the cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies the!, you mean that they do not seem to be vague in your receiver 's mind enigmatic,,...

Prodigy Hack Extension, Bakit Nakulong Si Ninoy Aquino, Dylan And Ally Catfish Last Name, Articles W