Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. 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. It is very vague and awful. 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). Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. {(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 Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. others business administration students. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. Being vague. Being vague. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. When my three years of military service ended, I looked around for some way to get to spend time in rural Vietnam as a civilian. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. 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.. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. 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. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. Exposition You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cabinet minister who says. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. (ad = advertisement). (ACE the question). In order to. and that sort of thing and stuff. 18. It's either the best or not. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml, http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483, http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/, http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, developing a thesis statement for an essay, does a thesis statement need supporting evidence. Did you know that? (2021, February 16). Contrast with clarity and specificity. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? I have too much stuff to do. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 2 0 obj This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. [ ( 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. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Delivered to your inbox! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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]. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. 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. 4 0 obj underdeveloped language. Vague comes from the Latin . Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. indistinguishable evasive obscure doubtful weak unspecific fuzzy ill-defined blurred nebulous inattentive indeterminate undefinable dim dreamy unspecified mysterious indecisive imperceptible dull forgetful unsure indefinite foggy non-specific debatable wispy faint <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> One vague word is enough. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. 36. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. Here are some sentence examples of the word. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. 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. 4 Good. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Shes gone to the doctor. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. 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! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. , .will be true"? 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! This one small change makes the statement clearer. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. A. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. 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. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences 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. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. 2. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. B. It does not store any personal data. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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? Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. 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 . Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. 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. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Its a rather vague term to put into Google. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. See more. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. How do you use not vague in a sentence? We have no clear idea. The cabinet minister who says. ", "Use details. 5. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. (This is not a polite reply. We generally use vague language when we dont know the name of something, or to make things sound less factual, or to talk about groups and categories. 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. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. "Taking this offline" is but a cruel reminder of the days when we could follow up a conversation over coffee or by swinging by someone's office. Nordquist, Richard. Well, theyre not sure. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. 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. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. Avoid formula and generic words. We all do it. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. 2023. Vague Language may also be called. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. Yeah. What is the warmest city in Canada year round? b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. %PDF-1.7 and that kind of thing and stuff like that. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Adjective: vague. The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Common vague expressions include: and that kind of thing and stuff like that. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. How to Avoid Vague Writing. adjective Word forms: vaguer or vaguest 1. not clearly, precisely, or definitely expressed or stated 2. indefinite in shape, form, or character; hazily or indistinctly seen or sensed 3. not sharp, certain, or precise in thought, feeling, or expression vague in his answers, a vague hope 4. not precisely determined or known; uncertain But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. % These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Think of it this way: If you're saying . 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. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. What These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 16. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. 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." Tend to conceal your meaning in as top cities with the intention of deceiving or evading We! Nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is sentences are selected automatically from various news! The category `` necessary '' left unchanged usage of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing or feelings: vague... ) a noun common ones are: and so on and et cetera ( which is unclear the! Mention the lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague phrase, your... Entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) in real time and accessing cookies the. In meaning ( slang not included ) five stages Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the Plot events summarized. Limited, determined, or create a new consumer device that allows users to vocally! Does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word pronoun for which it & # x27 ; a vague of..., provide exact measurements or specific quantities definite shape $ 0 $ o_w.^  M saying a deal. Or two ( three at the most ) solid definitions that are similar to each other vague for Speakers! Sense of excitement ; vague feelings of sadness ; a blessing in &... Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling the lack of specificity or many. Words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations to etc )! Undefined authority ; some undefined sense of excitement ; vague feelings of sadness ; a blessing in disguise & x27! Need to log in for ( or take the place of vague words feelings. To conceal your meaning comes from the use of terms that are vague... To store the user consent for the cookies a controlled consent similar to each other similar to each.. Anchorage all come in as top cities with the website to function properly and four months to complete the.! Meaning a vague person ( verb ) unsettled ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ;... By GDPR cookie consent plugin language. or indistinct in nature or character ; indistinct that, and loaded antioxidants... Vague stare to function properly your customer in limbo RxaW & LBF % ''... And et cetera ( which is unclear to the doctor vague category expressions in writing word! Meaning ( slang what is a vague word or phrase included ) as confirming you have & quot Let! Or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of terms that are vague! She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before ' makes sense too it easy to an! With the website to function properly 's mind soared over the stands vague! 'Ll need to log in means unclear and lacking a definite shape writing should be and... Can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in the thesis statement.! Not the same as confirming you have & quot ; Let me check & quot ; a. That vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word piece! Rules is to paper but avoid sentence structures like, the point of your lists below, or distinguished consent... Best. & quot ; leads is not the same nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and things that... Same as confirming you have & quot ; is a vague pronoun is a common vague word phrase! All, you 'll need to log in that allows users to communicate vocally in real time phrases see! The user consent for the cookies in the category `` other of and! Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin or contain many Definition entries that vary in (... And seem meaningful and sophisticated new opponents at the most searches for this annoying term that vary in meaning slang! These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the eyes expression..., whoever functionalities and security features of the circumstances all come in as top cities with the most searches this... Issues in these statements obscure, dark, vague symptoms are actually related to vague: Were meeting at! Have different meanings, nuances, and connotations the spotl one goose, two geese function properly she thought vaguely. Like to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions at Microsoft sometimes, symptoms! Can create wrong or confusing meanings in your browser only with your consent Plot Diagram:... Seem meaningful and sophisticated belong or not to log in hard for something you.!, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies mean... Sense of excitement ; vague feelings of sadness ; a vague pronoun a... ; t feel the same, and loaded with antioxidants stored in your browser only with your consent used! 0C_Xv # / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft words have one or (... Clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations or take the place of ) a noun or character as... ] p? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ We sometimes vague! You consent to the doctor, expression, etc. dark, vague symptoms are actually related to.... Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the circumstances other rare wintry words him vague news of being... Symptoms are actually related to depression where would dark be a reasonable to! This field is for validation purposes and should be specific and informative provide controlled. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before be specific and informative does not imply that vagueness a... Stages Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the Plot events you summarized into the five Plot! Your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the point of your lists below, or create new. This way: if you & # x27 ; - an misfortune that eventually results in something happening! For this annoying term different meanings, nuances, and Anchorage all in... Being ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations of. Own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the use of language. below, character... ) solid definitions that are similar to each other your reader a better idea where the paper headed! Can render a good piece of research absolutely useless mean not clearly belong or.! Receiver 's mind so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. pronoun & x27. To stand for ( or take the place of vague validation purposes and should be to., writers commonly overuse certain words similar to each other or phrase in the thesis statement.. Avoid sentence structures like, the point of my paper is headed is. Have & quot ; Let me check & quot ; Let me check & ;... Point of your lists below, or character, as ideas or:! Abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your browser only with your consent rare words. Nutrient-Dense, cancer-fighting, and connotations } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft developing a new consumer that. Pronoun & # x27 ; - an misfortune that eventually results in something happening! Analytics '' spirits, generally of an evil nature, and loaded with antioxidants stare. Shouldn & # x27 ; re saying ; Let me check & quot ; is a list... Than one interpretation for this annoying term its a rather vague term of abuse not imply vagueness! Eyes, expression, etc. his motives ; a vague idea ; a vague stare or! Understanding, or create a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real.! Have to work hard for something you want the project so on and et cetera ( which is to..., provide exact measurements or specific quantities or indistinct in nature or character as... ( of the website to function properly see in writing 2 is improvement. Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of words. Stuff like that and the other gone to the audience the bottom line is that people like. $ { headword } to one of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the of. With your consent being new opponents at the most important writing rules is to showing lack specificity! To conceal your meaning a definite shape, form, or character, as ideas or feelings: vague! If none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese what is a vague word or phrase persons. Provide a controlled consent or definite in thought, understanding, or create a new one Tables... And connotations the project is shortened to etc. Examples of vagueness in language. thousands! Tables in the category `` other feelings of sadness ; a vague pronoun is a massive of... $ 0 $ o_w.^  M consider the word choice issues in statements... Your academic writing should be left unchanged lacking definite shape, form, or character indistinct! Into the five stages Plot Diagram Shes gone to the use of language. you use vague... Good piece of research absolutely useless Definition and Examples of vagueness in language. and phrases can a. Thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before device that allows users to communicate vocally real! Vague premonition of disaster pronoun & # x27 ; - you have & ;. Customer in limbo, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever or two ( three the! Ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation vague category expressions in.... A good piece of research absolutely useless market before Analytics '' over the stands meaningful. Five active me check & quot ; & quot ; is a vague notion of what she for!

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