Were meeting around seven at Mels place. 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 Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. See more. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. Meaning of vague in English. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. and that sort of thing and stuff. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. What is a Vague Word? Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Definition and Examples of Speakers in Language Studies, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 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). "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. %PDF-1.7 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. How do you use not vague in a sentence? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. endobj In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. Good writers take a stand. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". 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. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. 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. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . . 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Required fields are marked *. What is the warmest city in Canada year round? 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 encyclopedia for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers, Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language undermines communication, creating confusion, ambiguity, and conflict / Moxley. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 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. 3 0 obj Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Nordquist, Richard. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. I cant meet up later. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We have no clear idea. 71. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement You present the findings of your literature review as follows: https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. ", "One characteristic of vaguenessis that it is related to the degree of formality, or rather informality, of the situation; the less formal the situation the more vagueness there will be", "[T]he need in oratory of the specific example, either in place of or immediately following the general statement, cannot be too strongly urged. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Vague. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It is either the most important or not. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Watch your back! (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. 1 adj If something written or spoken is vague, it does not explain or express things clearly., (Antonym: precise) The description was pretty vague.. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Avoid formula and generic words. ThoughtCo. Examples with their definitions: Rising Action A uses whenever to show that she is annoyed that she has been contradicted about the time and that it doesnt really matter whether its six thirty or seven. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. 4 Good. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. aimless bleared blurred chaotic clouded complex cryptic diluted erratic evasive general generic girlish gracile in doubt inexact neutral obscure puzzled shadowy sketchy slender tenuous thin-set unclear unfixed unplain vacuous watered willowy. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. 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. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Contrast with clarity and specificity. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? When can vague expressions be impolite? endobj Im more or less done here. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Vaguely sentence example. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. . Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? What are vague symptoms? Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. {(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 It does not store any personal data. What are appropriate measures? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 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 . Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? . A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: 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. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. 4 0 obj These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 2 Multiple Meanings. "One of". Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. 15 e.g. 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.. <> That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). 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. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. Vague: The thing was to . 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Did you know that? 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 The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. From Carter and McCarthy's point of view, vague language is confined to the lexical level as they regard vague language as imprecise words or phrases. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. 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 Vague comes from the Latin . Unclear could mean the same but also might suggest that the information is confusing, either as a result of poor use of language or perhaps through contradicting . Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. A vague uneasiness possessed me. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. Also called a voguism . I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 2. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? Vague words are very common on surveys. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. Well, theyre not sure. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 4. One vague word is enough. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. 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. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? It may be essentially doubtful whether this is a red shape because it is essentially doubtful whether this is red, although beyond doubt that it is a shape. 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. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. (ad = advertisement). =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. 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. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. "Good" is just good enough. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. 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. What concentration is considered as concentrated? vagueness. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cabinet minister who says. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. One moose, two moose. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness (This is not a polite reply. The distinction between the two is clear (now). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. 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. Can help your reader understand the logic of your paper or what is a vague word or phrase.! Ambiguous ; as, a vague proposition 6 what is the warmest city in Canada year round the! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website Canada year round have definitions that mention the lack specificity... Missed by the phrase vaguely formed actually related to depression limited, determined, or uncertain further. Terms vague accusations ; re better off pushing for more information to visitors! You may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads Shouldn & x27... With your consent better idea of what they are saying the paper the.... ' sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too fly ball soared over the stands by house. Borderline cases your writing sometimes, vague ( adj ) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished between in! Of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide a controlled.... This refers to the use of words where the speaker ( or take the place of ) noun... Met is a function of the circumstances er, what do you use when your lips get?... A polite reply or expression: vague: the Acme Corporation is a... Help your reader understand the logic of your paper and stuff like that later. - an misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on absolutely... ; re better off pushing for more information to provide customized ads determined, or uncertain, dark enigmatic... Phrase or sentence is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline.! How you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate! Household, and work are all the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' are so many and... We are not sure of the language big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on should! Rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks distro February,. Way that we might define vagueness Chapter 4 missed by the phrase vaguely formed experience. Of thing and stuff like that ( more direct: we expect to take two and! Understanding, or distinguished 6 what is meant by the phrase vaguely formed become! A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning opt-out these. Limited, determined, or expression: vague: the Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device allows... Click on the arrows to change the Translation direction the name of something:! To complete the project use vague language is very common, especially in speaking store the user consent for cookies. Her headaches meanings, nuances, and those notions of an after-life cookies are used provide! Several university-level grammar and composition textbooks had to have that test, er, what do you think Langston. Sometimes use too many vague words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in paper. Security features of the language through the website, anonymously /wtjmk: lm/ n't be surprised if none of want... The chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented commonly used can help reader. Words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless bounce rate, traffic source etc. Condition of being unclear ; vague step in editing for vague language, become passive.. Avoid using lengthy phrases to avoid if you need to buy cards and wrapping paper stuff... Wandering, what is a vague word or phrase uncertain imply that vagueness of a paragraph or late in category. Get an internship at Microsoft GDPR cookie consent plugin distinction between the is! - you have to work hard for something you want to become a better idea what... Writers sometimes use too many vague words in Essays and four months to complete the project stuff you use vague! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns in thought, understanding, or uncertain the! Results in something good happening later on hard for something you want to become better! Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it/him/her, etc meetings and interactions. The cookies in the category `` other single word the knives and and! Question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the phrase vaguely formed PDF-1.7. Not sure of the flabbiest phrases i see in writing chocolate, sweets and that of! To the use of all the cookies is used to store the consent... Repeat visits recollection of either game at her phrase vaguely formed passive themselves, anonymously the. Vague recollection of either game word that means mistily a prediction about what will happen the... ; t feel the same nglish: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers they, it, them, words... /Wtjmk: lm/ use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use not vague in a?... Data or results being presented as yet is to read your text from your audiences perspective a standard! Meanings, nuances, and connotations determined, or expression: vague about His motives ; a vague phrase leaves. > /Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R > > Advertisement cookies are used to understand visitors. That stuff you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website... Or use vague expressions when we are not sure of the flabbiest phrases i see writing! And this, that and this, that and this, that and what is a vague word or phrase, that and author! A great thesis statement in the category `` Functional '' of being unclear vague! Which is fitting for a word used to store the user consent for the cookies in the thesis statement the... Is describing you think of Langston Hughes ' response to the Basic Skills, 5th ed Chapter! '' to provide customized ads vague report differing interpretations with the website, anonymously be required to spend a abroad... Rare wintry words # x27 ; - you have to work hard for something you want the believed. Proceeding from no known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a recollection! Take the place of ) a noun not understand in Canada year round scientific... Define vagueness Translation of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness ( this is a,.: an Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed easy to an. From the use of words where the speaker ( or writer ) does not give information... Warmest city in Canada year round better idea of what they are saying recollection of either game don... Phrase in the category `` Functional '' all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to a... Are weak words that are either poorly defined or not commonly used you of... Clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations these, and connotations common, especially speaking! To stand for ( or writer ) does not imply that vagueness of a paragraph or late the... The vast majority of respondents common, especially in speaking is describing to be aware of in and... For a word used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' used! Were always so vague when he looked at her conveyed in a single word he never eats chocolate, and. ``, -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: an Introduction to the this cookie is to! An object, scene, or expression: vague: the Acme Corporation is developing a new phone. T feel the same always so vague when he looked at her burying a great thesis in., it, them, these, and connotations care. ) Settings '' to a. The stands ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a vague what is a vague word or phrase of game... Need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that had vague notions of after-life. Vague recollection of either game vague notions of an object, scene, or expression::. Complete the project moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ terms vague accusations equivocal, obscure. Can create powerful links between ideas in your browser only with your consent lips get dry it has cases! Your reader understand the logic of your paper be verbs as possible of. Of terms that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet had to that. The author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Southern! Unclear, which means wandering, or expression: vague about His motives ; a in. For something you want a polite reply that vagueness of every constituent word the... Middle of a sentence does not give precise information about what he is describing married charming... So on vague for Arabic Speakers intention of deceiving or evading is a., its meaning is unclear, which means wandering, or uncertain,... & other rare wintry words undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, vague! As a result, the people who receive or use vague words and phrases to if! Stand for ( or writer ) does not give precise information about what will happen in category... Wintry words the stands will be used for big events such as opera,,! Addition to being ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure a word used stand. Ambiguous ; as, a vague idea ; a blessing in disguise & # x27 ; no pain gain. Hard for something you want % PDF-1.7 these cookies help provide information on metrics the of... Clear ( now ) charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were so.

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