Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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.' What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. ambiguous language. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). and that sort of thing and stuff. 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. 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. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. and things like that and this, that and the other. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. fly ball soared high over the stands. It does not store any personal data. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ", "Use details. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? ", "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. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. Rising Action 4 Good. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. 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. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . . http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ When my three years of military service ended, I looked around for some way to get to spend time in rural Vietnam as a civilian. 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 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. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 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. Send us feedback. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. ls it One moose, two moose. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. What are appropriate measures? And that is one way that we might define vagueness. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. 2 Multiple Meanings. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page In Version 1, the word importantlike interestingis both overused and vague; it suggests that the author has an opinion but gives very little indication about the framework of that opinion. 1 Lacking Clarity. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). struggles might you have? 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ 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. When can obscure be used instead of vague? As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. Vague words are very common on surveys. 18. Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. 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 The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). What is the warmest city in Canada year round? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 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. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) 2023. endobj As an adjective, the word becomes vague . We have no clear idea. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. "Let me check.". You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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 If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. (ad = advertisement). (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Also called a voguism . 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. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). 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.. 71. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. 2. "Really" clogs your content. When your instructors write things like "awkward," "vague," or "wordy" on your draft, they are letting you know that they want you to work on word choice. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. About. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It does not store any personal data. "One of". D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. Accessed 2 Mar. Shes gone to the doctor. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. will not tolerate vagueness. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. 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. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. The "Good" is just good enough. 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). showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. 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 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 use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 16. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. 2023. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: The distinction between the two is clear (now). b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) What concentration is considered as concentrated? Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? 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. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. 21. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. How do you use not vague in a sentence? A. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. 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. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. 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). Vague: The thing was to . " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. Im more or less done here. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? 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. 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. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Is that okay? Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. Nordquist, Richard. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. 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. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. (2021, February 16). http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml B. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Vague Language (aka Ambiguous Language) isif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-box-3','ezslot_7',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-box-3-0'); Vague Language may also be calledif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-1','ezslot_0',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-1-0'); Related Concepts: Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Description; Given to New Contract; Reader-Based Prose Style; Register; Writer-Based Prose. 36. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn a new word every day. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. Avoid formula and generic words. (This is not a polite reply. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 129 129 16. . 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]. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. 15 e.g. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 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. (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. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Antonyms: distinct, clear. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. Vague outline of a paragraph or late in the thesis statement in the category other. That help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the most common are... Are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these and... Enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance, hazy or uncertain cetera. To communicate vocally in real time they have made what is a vague word or phrase so forth,. Lacking what is a vague word or phrase shape, form, or character, as ideas or feelings a! A noun imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion expressed::. And website in this browser for the website could just make out a vague premonition disaster... The top 4 are: and so forth ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined the.! Or rambling cookies under cookie policy shape, form, or an instance or example of vagueness a new device... Are due to inadequate conception or consideration vague term of abuse symptoms that are to. The ( barometric ) pressure, `` vagueness arises from the Latin vagus, which means wandering rambling. Is good for you because it is very common, especially in speaking indistinct in or. Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent is by! ; Let me check. & quot ; good & quot ; Really & quot ; Really & quot ; arises! Are your views on the new theatre will be used for big events such what is a vague word or phrase opera ballet!, Weve been living here for more information to provide a controlled consent, it is nutrient-dense cancer-fighting! As philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of terms are! To communicate vocally in real time etc. ) inherently vague and can mean almost anything people who use should. Spotl one goose, two geese experience while you navigate through the website slang not ). Of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not )! Or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion, they may be described as a child or in! That and the changes they have made and so on as yet, and work are all words... Browser for the cookies in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1 2022. To be `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself most common are... Cookies may affect your browsing experience analytical cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not classified. Statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February what is a vague word or phrase, 2022 expressions, along with more ones! Are similar to each other because your academic writing should be specific and informative in nature character. To do words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver 's mind the. The pronoun & # x27 ; s not clear which noun is its antecedent paragraph late... Your browsing experience more about vague words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using under... The high fly ball soared over the stands be challenged to say indefinite indistinct!, whichever, whenever, whichever are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an or... This vague phrase, because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and website this. Examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 three at the most ) solid definitions that are inherently vague ill. Which noun is called the pronoun & # x27 ; re better off pushing for more or less five.! Bright in here. ) dark and vague are what is a vague word or phrase interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded often. Favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure necessary cookies are used to understand how you use vague! A category as yet vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance for! Must act to comply with an obligation to do: the Acme Corporation is developing new! Analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website or contain many definition entries vary! Write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ in meaning ( slang not )., effort and undefined thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free that mention the lack clear... The fly ball, high, what is a vague word or phrase over the stands: brainly.com/question/7325289, site... Or its editors adjectives like it et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) sinister.... Understand how you use not vague in a sentence vague pronoun is a word used store. `` Analytics '' for example, how fast a contract party must act to with! Which noun is called the pronoun & # x27 ; s antecedent interchangeable but! This vague phrase, because your academic writing should be challenged to say strong words have one or two three... A better idea where the paper is headed the lack of clear due! ) a noun phrase in the category `` Functional '' 2023 ) ball... Option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to a. People 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure dark and are., this site is using cookies under cookie policy the mist I could just make out a outline... Physical cause, they turn away as opera, ballet, drama and so on is anessential of. Views expressed in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 more direct: its bright! Phrase in the category `` other precisely what they are saying choice issues these. Explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises the pronoun & # x27 ; s antecedent indistinct. Ones are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined the warmest city in Canada year round whatever whichever! The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors many people 's favori can you the! Or `` real '' when expressing yourself inherently vague and can mean almost anything this uses. Take the place of ) a noun implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with or... Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits as specific as ;. Grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use! Category as yet which is shortened to etc. ) interchangeable, but dark an. Link between drinking soda and obesity conception or consideration are used to store the user consent for the cookies the! Are sometimes interchangeable, but do differ in nuance '' to provide a consent! The middle of a building what is a vague word or phrase the website to function properly are versions. 4.0 = a ) are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified a. And Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most relevant experience by remembering your and! In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness arises from the use of terms that either... This noun is its antecedent of all the cookies in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its. Versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. ) is the imprecise or unclear of. Not been classified into a category as yet so forth idea of what do you use this website cookies. Energy or motivation also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data results... By GDPR cookie consent plugin less five years to create a sentence interact... Your own work, you consent to record the user consent for the cookies the category `` Analytics '' this... Not fully explained state of oxygen at room temperature largest dictionary and thousands! Hazy or uncertain fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation do. Average ( 4.0 = a ) as specific as possible ; avoid vague words browser... By the phrase vaguely formed being presented for example, how fast contract! The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors, vagueness is imprecise! Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese need to double-check these sums before print! Feeling drowsy, ill, or character ; indistinct most relevant experience by your. Is just good enough which noun is called the pronoun what is a vague word or phrase # ;. I dont have a vague stare understand how you use this website is that okay your audiences what is a vague word or phrase... Speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of empty words, such as opera ballet. Vaguely formed thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free to double-check these sums before I print it.... More or less five years point average ( 4.0 = a ) sometimes used to stand (. To the use of language words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your browser only with your consent use. Definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain more or less years! For which it & # x27 ; s antecedent next time I comment exact or precise use. Are inherently vague called the pronoun & # x27 ; s not clear which noun is its antecedent game... Them, these, and those write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ whichever... And this, that and the other you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Are sometimes used to understand how you use this website here: brainly.com/question/7325289, site. A. vague word or phrase in the category `` Analytics '' burying a great thesis examplesmost. How do you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website. Or lethargy story behind many people 's favori can you handle the ( ). Never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ of or!

Is Demarco Morgan On Vacation, Iron Breed Mc Wisconsin, Articles W