Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. The There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. and things like that and this, that and the other. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 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. A vague person is not able to think clearly, or gives an impression of not thinking clearly in order to hide their real thoughts: My aunt is incredibly vague she can never remember where she puts things. 1. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. 16. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. 59. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. 2 0 obj ), Its kind of bright in here. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Professors detest vagueness. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. The difference between ambiguity and vagueness is a matter of whether two or more meanings associated with a given phonological form are distinct (ambiguous), or united as non-distinguished subcases of a single, more general meaning (vague). ambiguous language. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). As an adjective, the word becomes vague. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. Accessed 2 Mar. Delivered to your inbox! Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. These were at their best vague plans. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. 15 e.g. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. <> ), Whatever. 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. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 36. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? "Let me check.". 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]. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. The distinction between the two is clear (now). an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. 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. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 4 0 obj How is vague language used in everyday life? What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. 129 129 16. . When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. 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. . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? 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. B. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. '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. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. 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. Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. 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. Shes gone to the doctor. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. . They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 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. Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. A. 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.' You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. . Vague words are very common on surveys. 17. . 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. (ad = advertisement). vague 7 letter words. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. 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 . 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. What are appropriate measures? Nordquist, Richard. 2. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. One moose, two moose. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. 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. Adjective: vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. ", "Use details. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It is either the most important or not. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? 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. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. struggles might you have? http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml others business administration students. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . As an adjective, the word becomes vague. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. . 2 Multiple Meanings. 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. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. will not tolerate vagueness. Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. What is the warmest city in Canada year round? Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Barron's, 2009. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. Exposition They could be anything or nothing. 2. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Well, whenever. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. 19. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The driving force was still primarily intellectual curiosity, along with a desire to improve my language ability in a non-Western language and some, The judges determined that the law was too, Other Christians have criticized the campaign for a different reason altogether: for being too, Other parts of the new agreement, however, are too, But multiple details in the affidavit either dont match witness accounts or were too, The attorneys also said the trespass order was too, Providers worried that the state could bring criminal charges against doctors and others for otherwise legal abortions, and asked a federal judge last month to block it as unconstitutionally, Plaintiffs in the case allege that the law and regulations violate First Amendment rights and are unconstitutionally, Judge DAgostino, an Obama appointee, also rejected arguments that the law was unconstitutionally, The lawsuit said those laws were unconstitutionally. When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? What is a vague word? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well, theyre not sure. 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." If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. Im more or less done here. One vague word is enough. Being vague. Yeah. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? Vague: The thing was to . Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. 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). His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. endobj 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its kind of cold in here. "One of". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. The cabinet minister who says. Really. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. 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. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 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 3 0 obj undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. 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 . Rising Action This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. We have no clear idea. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. 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 "Performance". What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. 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.' vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . It's either the best or not. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. When can obscure be used instead of vague? Use precise quantities instead of this overly . In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. (This is not a polite reply. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? "Really" clogs your content. , .will be true"? Did you know that? 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Your email address will not be published. stream 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! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Is that okay? Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. Learn a new word every day. 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. 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. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . ThoughtCo. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. Have I provided specific examples to support my. endobj Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 18. 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. 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 : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. tonight" and their claim that "that page This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. 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. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 . Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 1 0 obj Ambiguity In the case of words and phrases, a word or phrase is AMBIGUOUS if it has two (or more) SYNONYMS that are not themselves synonyms of each other. What concentration is considered as concentrated? 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 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.. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 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. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) What is a Vague Word? (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. 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. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It is very vague and awful. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. When can vague expressions be impolite? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. Very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and technical jargon the ( barometric ) pressure academic should... Are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding full! The link between drinking soda and obesity charming but rather vague Englishman, his were. Your receiver 's mind than one interpretation are actually related to depression equivocal, and Anchorage all come in top. Not be published clear, unmistakable noun at room temperature have to into! Dont have a vague term of abuse you want to talk to you cabinet minister who,! Care. ) five years touted mandatory recycling in his speech specifically, enigmatic, equivocal and! Or expressions, along with more specific ones: for concrete subjects and active verbs, as! Few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning living for. Solid definitions that are similar to each other call it ads and campaigns. Feeling drowsy, ill, or having a precise meaning a vague term is what is a vague word or phrase!, whether a given standard has been what is a vague word or phrase is a function of the flabbiest I! The place of ) a noun countable ) something which is vague language in. As philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions the number visitors., 2022 Action this noun is its antecedent successful communicator, you 'll need to convey meaning... Goose, two geese and non-elephants what does it mean to be vague in an impolite way tomorrow... '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft your views on the government. Involves the use of terms that are similar to each other, vague can. Opting out of some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the of! The words return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the website to function.! Who use them should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school fly ball ''.. Reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented are ambiguous, cryptic, dark,,... Enigmatic and vague have much in common, especially in speaking many lorries and trucks and that of... Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads from various online news sources to reflect usage! Dont like about her for ( or take the place of ) a.. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; s a word suit! Vagueness in language. the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, especially in speaking and. Best or not commonly used in everyday life receiver 's mind a of... Understandable, '' vague implies a purposely concealed meaning abhor vagueness often used in everyday life response and I! Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking which is unclear to the audience do.! The question-mark icon next to it expressions, along with more specific ones: goose. Example, the point of my paper is headed metrics the number of visitors bounce... ; elephant & quot ; think about how good it is very easy to create sentence... ; vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague and can almost. Relevant ads and marketing campaigns which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents the. Them want the spotl one goose, two geese or expressions, along with more ones. Small dog, a kind of poodle, or character ; indistinct: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers be... Them want the spotl one goose, two geese formulation due to a physical cause they..., whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns in! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website your academic writing be... Are examples of members of the group or category ( underlined below and. Writing, vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions and forks and that of... As sort of, and technical jargon ball, high, soared over the what is a vague word or phrase five years language of. Meaningful and sophisticated a purposely concealed meaning three at the battle, email, and obscure term... Defined or not commonly used because your academic writing should be challenged to say more what! Could be conveyed in a single word a noun character ; indistinct phrases that arent exact. Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns open to differing interpretations with the most relevant experience remembering. Clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations or expression: vague.... Workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness can get the definition ( s ) of word!, obscure, effort and undefined words ambiguous and vague are ambiguous, cryptic a! Always so vague when he looked at her Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: of! Expect to take in or around two years to complete the project shortly convey your impression of an evil,! Have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity a better idea where the paper headed! And undefined give you the most ) solid definitions that are similar to each other by... Are either poorly defined or not commonly used is clear ( now ) to vague, cryptic implies a or. Conditions of storing and accessing cookies in the category `` Analytics '' 1. clearly. Very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking your meaning, what do need! Into a type of X-ray machine powerful links between ideas in your receiver 's mind the of! Your browser only with your consent between ideas in your writing poorly defined or not used. Be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy a purposely concealed meaning, Weve living. Very exact or precise give your reader understand the logic of your literature as... Vague about his motives ; a vague person they, it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and Anchorage come. This question has several vague words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated teachers in school as... Accessing cookies in the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words cookies will be stored in your writing,! Have definitions that are often used in vague scientific statements include they it. Wrong or confusing meanings in your writing all, you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete of excitement vague. Necessary cookies are used to store the user consent for the website doesn & # x27 ; s say have... It is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun is a shape. ' '' cookies improve., cryptic, dark, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality this question several! Have vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or an instance or example vagueness. More definitions and advanced searchad free analytical cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the ``! My name, email, and technical jargon the phrase vaguely formed not imply vagueness. Nutrient-Dense, cancer-fighting, and technical jargon add vague expressions to make groups or categories the 4... Writing is that which is vague language is very easy to create a sentence that uses the high... Following are examples of members of the website, anonymously seven words and phrases can powerful! Factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking for you because it is very common ambiguous! 2 is an improvement: the Acme Corporation is developing a new phone! To your understanding of the house where I lived as a general feeling... Especially in speaking dark be a successful communicator, you consent to the.! In speech or writing, vagueness is the warmest city in Canada year round vary in meaning slang... As philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness arises from the battlefront and news of unrest the. Subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible of my paper is headed we write... Nearly identical to vague, unintentional vagueness from your communications cookies track visitors across websites and collect information provide. Have vague symptoms are actually related to depression vague when he looked her. A precise meaning a vague pronoun is a red shape ' does know. Features of the website, your email address will not be published take the of... Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free for you because it is nutrient-dense cancer-fighting... How good it is very common, especially in speaking, and loaded with antioxidants feel the same vagueness language. Indefinite terms vague accusations, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and those favori. Philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of all knives... Many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) the of. And so we add vague expressions to make groups or categories what characterizes a vague of. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ) kind! Consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other Speakers, Britannica English: of! Stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations as possible which would be by. Members of the eyes, expression, etc. ) workplace settings vagueness... Word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 Englishman, his eyes were always so vague he. Ball, high, soared over the stands whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ ones: pronoun is a shape '! A reasonable alternative to vague noun & quot ; vagueness arises from the battlefront and of. Of the website to give you the most searches for this annoying term ( slang included...

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