Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. . Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. endobj Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. One vague word is enough. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. 4 0 obj This one small change makes the statement clearer. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. 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. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. 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. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! What Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram You present the findings of your literature review as follows: What is a vague word? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". (of the eyes, expression, etc.) ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. 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? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Avoid formula and generic words. Send us feedback. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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." You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Examples with their definitions: 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. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). Being vague. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. 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. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. [ ( 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. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) It is either the most important or not. 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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Also called a voguism . Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. Is that okay? A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. Vague Language may also be called. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! It does not store any personal data. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. (ad = advertisement). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nordquist, Richard. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. .2y:x\ "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. 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. 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). and that kind of thing and stuff like that. Watch your back! Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? 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. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. Have I provided specific examples to support my. 19. 1. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). 1 0 obj The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. 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 . The Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. The fly ball soared over the stands high. Accessed 2 Mar. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. 2. 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. Vague. Contrast with clarity and specificity. We all do it. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. [from a university lecture on communication], If you use an advertisement in the newspaper, a thirty-second ad on television et cetera et cetera, it will receive quite a wide audience but theres relatively little you can say in it. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. In order to. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. 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. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. These expressions include: what do you call it?, whats it called?, its a kind of X, its a sort of X, its a type of X, or something, thing, stuff: Vals been in hospital for tests. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 2023. 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. 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?' =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. 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? The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. 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. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. 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 . You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. Climax 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A. Vague comes from the Latin . Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. 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. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. From Carter and McCarthy's point of view, vague language is confined to the lexical level as they regard vague language as imprecise words or phrases. % In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. 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. And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. Did you know that? Think of it this way: If you're saying . In other words, "tall" is vague. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. 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. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. Well, whenever. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? One moose, two moose. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. (ACE the question). Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 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. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Well, theyre not sure. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? How do you use not vague in a sentence? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. Adjective: vague. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. 21. What concentration is considered as concentrated? 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. and things like that and this, that and the other. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). The distinction between the two is clear (now). Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. underdeveloped language. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. 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