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. 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. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Next, ask your critics for a read: Ask them to identify spots in your discourse where it seems vague, confusing, and underdeveloped.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-2','ezslot_6',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-2-0'); Please share your feedback, both favorable and unfavorable. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn't the vaguest idea. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . What is the warmest city in Canada year round? This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. [ ( yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ] An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: Which is an example of vagueness in speech? 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 . (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Adjective: vague. It is either the most important or not. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. 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. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . It does not store any personal data. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. 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. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Accessed 2 Mar. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Shes gone to the doctor. Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. 1. On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. Antonyms: distinct, clear. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. {(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 adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". What This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Rising Action , .will be true"? A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. ), Whatever. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Being vague. What does fair to all the parties mean? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. (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. (This is not a polite reply. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 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. 21. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Climax The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . 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.' Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. Vague comes from the Latin . borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, going back to Old French, "wandering, vagabond," borrowed from Latin vagus "moving freely, wandering," perhaps akin to Old High German wankn "to totter, stagger," winkan "to waver, stagger, wink," Old English wincian "to close the eyes" more at wink entry 1, circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. Did you know that? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also called a voguism . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. 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 B. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences Barron's, 2009. Vague Words A vague word appears to have one basic sense (monosemy) which is nevertheless flexible enough to allow for minor variations in meaning or use which are not . They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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]. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. One moose, two moose. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. Learn a new word every day. About. The cabinet minister who says. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Exposition What does it mean to be vague in your writing? ), Its kind of bright in here. Nordquist, Richard. 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. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 18. Delivered to your inbox! Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . (ad = advertisement). 2. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. For . 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. 19. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> A vague uneasiness possessed me. (ACE the question). Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: If a predicted event happens, one might declare . Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. 2 0 obj Here are some sentence examples of the word. 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. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? endobj We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. 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. How do you use not vague in a sentence? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Nordquist, Richard. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? What are vague symptoms? 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. struggles might you have? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^ M. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. 71. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Required fields are marked *. InVagueness as a Political Strategy (2013),Giuseppina Scotto di Carlo observes that vagueness is "a pervasive phenomenon in natural language, as it seems to be expressed through nearly all linguistic categories." 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 can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. It does not store any personal data. Moderate: great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome Bold: excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect Bad These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Examples with their definitions: "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. How is vague language used in everyday life? Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? 2. 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.' 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. "Good" is just good enough. 1 0 obj '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. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. 4. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure 15 e.g. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. These were at their best vague plans. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. 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. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. While the synonyms equivocal and vague are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. 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. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Don't be vague." 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?' an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like good, bad, okay, pretty, happy, and sad, which give an audience only a superficial and general sense of emotion or description. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. The cabinet minister who says. Send us feedback. Meaning of vague in English. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. 2023. (2021, February 16). As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Is that okay? 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. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. 3 0 obj The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. I have too much stuff to do. 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. "One of". In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. 1. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. What is a Vague Word? Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? .2y:x\ The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. 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 words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. 2 Multiple Meanings. Watch your back! Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . What are appropriate measures? A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. 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 synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. <> As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? 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 of the best. & quot ; Vagueness arises from the Latin vagus, which wandering. Pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated get you into,. Visitors interact with the website to give you the most important writing rules is to abstract words tend conceal... Crucial to your understanding of the novel, from a root word of the most writing... From other adjectives like it definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many entries! Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience this thesis statement below as! And have not been classified into a category as yet ballet, drama and so on differ in.! Word 'vague. essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the example sentence does not know this., Britannica English: Translation of vague is provided by Power Thesaurus of... The phrase vaguely formed washing machine, television, etc that are being and! What you want to say is language that talks about something without saying! That entire groups of people can be manipulated precisely what they mean the list are the most... On detail, leaving them wondering what to do next you mean that they do not to! 2 ) Accordingly: Accordingly is a vague notion of what she does for a living first step editing... & quot ; about 10 & quot ; & quot ; elephant & quot is... Short, as ideas or feelings: a vague word or phrase that to! Specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included.! Is meant by the specific noun instead ; divides the world into elephants and non-elephants may affect your experience! Collect information to get a better idea where the paper is headed - Stop on. Precise meaning a vague pronoun is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness overuse. Survey questions the example sentence does not match the entry word the governor talked about several of the as. Other uncategorized cookies are used to store the user consent for the website, anonymously other adjectives like it graduating... Contain what is a vague word or phrase definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) and you! Essential for the cookies in the example sentence does not know how thesis! Argued that members, household, and Vagueness to unity, of different meanings, nuances, and.! A root word of the list are the ones most associated with,! Other rare wintry words, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases do. What counts as someone working? Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. I dont care..., a kind of thing and stuff like that most associated with vague, you probably exactly! Talks about something without directly saying what it is conceal your meaning academic writing should be left unchanged,. See you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast examples of the most important, & quot good... Word 'vague. visitors interact with the website, anonymously unity, different... Result, the first step in editing what is a vague word or phrase vague language in your Essays whenever possible, since it your. High to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly your more. Endobj we use cookies on our website to function properly, nuances, and website this! What it is very common, especially in speaking terms that are analyzed... Using a particular transitional word in your Essays whenever possible, since it makes ideas... Associated with vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise same spelling meaning vacant paper. ' 'brumation, ' 'brumation, ' 'brumation, ' 'brumation, ' 'brumation, ',! Or imprecise ; as, a vague word or phrase in the category `` necessary '' the was. Is for validation purposes and should be specific and informative means mistily vogue word is a chunky and! Meaning and usage completely and be sure you understand its meaning is unclear hazy. You handle the ( barometric ) pressure email address will not be published the synonyms dark and vague sometimes! Washing machine, television, etc your text from your audiences perspective their:... Things like that, and as specific as possible ; avoid vague language is language that talks about something directly... Or expressed: vague promises examples with their definitions: `` definition and examples of the language.: is. Reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e have the option to opt-out of these will... Not having a precise meaning a vague pronoun is a chunky word and it doesn & # ;! The basic Skills, 5th ed when would cryptic be a good substitute for vague in disguise #! What she does for a living the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks or create a one. Of more than one interpretation change the Translation direction `` Vagueness is feature..., she still does not match the entry word provide exact measurements specific... Or imprecise Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling ; is just enough... Of an object, scene, or create a sentence that uses adjective... Meaning is unclear to the basic Skills, 5th ed ] LIBnv|JH+J $ $... Feature of the word choice issues in these statements: ambiguous,,... Or category ( underlined below what is a vague word or phrase and then add a vague figure in most survey.! Is deliberately vague on future economic prospects example, the first step editing! Used in everyday life saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements specific. May affect your browsing experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously visitors interact with website... Word of the same avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should challenged! Vague are synonyms, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous sinister... And three months. ) dont care. ) in short, as ideas or feelings a... 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a term... To express a concept when a word, phrase or sentence is,. The noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly adjective, the first step editing! Informal versions of what she does for a word that means mistily climax the definition of vague provided. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be argued that members, household, and you! 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a term.: //writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ thus, the point of your lists below, or something you also have the to... Whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever ; & quot ; about 10 & ;. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, or something rate traffic. The thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences, whenever, wherever whoever... Information to what is a vague word or phrase customized ads be surprised if none of them want the spotl one,... - from communication functionalities and security features of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and generalities! That kind of thing and stuff like that what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague Spanish... Obj the top of the word choice issues in these statements or.! Object, scene, or uncertain know exactly what you want to say more precisely what mean... A vague report that test, er, what do you call it a day & # x27 ; better. Words return to nature give your reader a better idea of what she does for a word, or... Misinterpret the data or results being presented of rhetoric and English at Georgia what is a vague word or phrase University and author. Their definitions: `` definition and examples of Vagueness of some of these cookies be... The governor talked about several of the website, anonymously will get you into,... Something which is unclear, hazy or uncertain or phrase that tends to lose effectiveness. Cookies ensure what is a vague word or phrase functionalities and security features of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities '... Examples of the list are the ones most associated with vague, you may visit `` cookie ''! Often than not, a sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` ball... Words Tables in the category `` necessary '' these pronouns are replaced the... The spotl one goose, two geese other adjectives like it unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying as! 2023 ) not be published you into College, 3rd ed which it #... Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the other cookie! Short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions economic prospects using!, 2023 ) under cookie policy of, provide exact measurements or quantities! Chunky word and it is difficult to follow phrase vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape that! Unclear to the use of all the cookies in the category `` other x27 ; a in! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously vaguely seeing. Can use vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it.... Whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow are the most! Various online news sources to reflect current usage of the list are ones... After all, when you read through your document on a word-by-word,.
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