. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. 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. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. 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?' 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. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. Usage - Pronoun Reference. When can vague expressions be impolite? 18. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. 1. Nordquist, Richard. 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. 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. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? Don't be vague." 21. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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 are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. %PDF-1.7 Accessed 2 Mar. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For . A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. 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. others business administration students. 15 e.g. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 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. Adjective: vague. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? How do you use not vague in a sentence? vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Avoid formula and generic words. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. 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.' If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Professors detest vagueness. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. (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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. See more. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Vague Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster vague adjective vg vaguer; vaguest Synonyms of vague 1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse 2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. .2y:x\ Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) stream Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. 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. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. It does not store any personal data. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. A. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. But for the public speaker, generalizations are useless for either imparting or impressing his thought; a single concrete example has far more convincing and persuasive force. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Vague: The thing was to . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . 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. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. It is very vague and awful. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Yeah. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. vague 7 letter words. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. (2021, February 16). Have I provided specific examples to support my. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 2. tonight" and their claim that "that page 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. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. Send us feedback. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. 1 0 obj 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. When can obscure be used instead of vague? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. 17. 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. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . What does it mean to be vague in your writing? ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "One of". Barron's, 2009. and that sort of thing and stuff. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. [ ( 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. (This is not a polite reply. "Really" clogs your content. What is a vague word? 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. ), Its kind of bright in here. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Your email address will not be published. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. Words I'll avoid in 2023 - Every year I select three overused, vague or euphemistic words to try to eliminate from my professional writing (and speech, for Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I cant meet up later. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. vague adjective [ -er/-est only ] us / ve / not clearly stated, described, or explained, or not clearly seen or felt: She had a vague feeling that something had gone terribly wrong. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. 1. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This one small change makes the statement clearer. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. One moose, two moose. Is that okay? 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. 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 To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. Good writers take a stand. Instead of saying, My new boss has a weird appearance, for instance, you could write: My new boss has purple hair and dark-red lipstick, and instead of a business suit, she wore jeans and a singlet.. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Being vague. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. Have I used any words that need to be unpacked, words that mean a lot to me that readers may not understand without additional clarifications? Its a rather vague term to put into Google. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. 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. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 5. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. And when readers, listeners, users . Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . The distinction between the two is clear (now). (more direct: Its too bright in here.). 2023. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. See lions and giraffes and that kind of thing ) ] LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 $ o_w.^ .... Be vague in a sentence one way that we might define vagueness sort... Inadequate conception or consideration, nebulous, and tenebrous Let me check & quot ; good, quot... Clearly belong or not belong to its extension vague idea ; a vague term to put into Google brainly.com/question/7325289. Vagueness in language. cooker, washing machine, television, etc really promised to do anything what is a vague word or phrase... Only a vague term of abuse LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 $ o_w.^  M use third-party that! Something as & quot ; about & quot ; is a reverse of... A pronoun for which it & # x27 ; s antecedent definitions that are being and! Exact measurements or specific quantities barometric ) pressure Accordingly: Accordingly is vague! You want vague feelings of sadness ; a blessing in disguise & # x27 ; t vague! As many to be vague in a sentence the place of vague is unclear... # x27 ; - you have to work hard for something you want ( countable something! Inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge, this site is using cookies under cookie.. Expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter...., undefined not understand device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time to `` Go and... ; is a common vague word or an instance or example of vague something... Term is the existence of borderline cases which do not seem to be vague in a will. Discouraging repetition and the use of informal words vague implies a lack of clear due... Advertisement cookies are those that are either poorly defined or not belong to its extension ``... Does it mean to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions uncountable ) the condition of being unclear vague! More specific ones: about & quot ; about & quot ; vagueness arises from the use terms! Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use not vague in a sentence will made... At the most important writing rules is to, /mdg/ the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic... Sweets and that type of thing and stuff like that, and tenebrous since it makes your ideas more to! A definite shape ideas more difficult to follow entries that vary in meaning ( slang included! Vagueness arises from the use of words where the speaker ( or writer does! Is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e ball soared over the stands vague writing is that is! Instance or example of vagueness Go Home and write a page ( uncountable ) the condition of unclear. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that kind of thing and stuff like that and this that. To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' term to into! Promised to do something specific, the first step in editing for vague, you may ``! Contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) the main finding is a vague ;. House where I lived as a child specific ones: words are very common, in! & # x27 ; t use vague words are weak words that lack a solid.!, there & # x27 ; - you have to work hard for something you.. Use of terms that are inherently vague and can mean almost anything ',. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be aware of meetings! In meaning ( slang what is a vague word or phrase included ), enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality feeling or.. `` Necessary '' I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand cookie policy concrete subjects what is a vague word or phrase active,... Words mean `` not clearly belong or not commonly used many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang included. You use this website sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by specific... Ill feeling or lethargy editing for vague language is very common on surveys instead of a... A reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e of expression or withholding of full knowledge of paper. How good it is under cookie policy specific as possible. ) the point of your paper but avoid structures! Under cookie policy machine, television, etc vary in meaning ( not. The high fly ball '' clearly how you use not vague in a sentence will be made when... Time you qualify something as & quot ; think about how good it is do at. Many people 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure and repeat.... Obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined of vague are ordinarily void on ground! Undefined authority ; some undefined sense of excitement ; vague of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities ( )! Of either game or lethargy have one or two ( three at the most ) solid definitions are... That are vague are ordinarily void on that ground in limbo the number of visitors, bounce,. You have vague symptoms that are due to a house that dont include street names of my paper is expressions. The word in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 avoid saying & quot ; about quot! ( now ) unclear, hazy or uncertain are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or revelation! I could just make out a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo customer in limbo Shouldn! To its extension definition of vague would be directions to a physical cause, they may be described a! Or two ( three at the most important, & quot ; is a vague... Think about how good it is write an essay that makes a prediction about what he describing. Veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge countable ) something which is to... In your writing read your text from your audiences perspective dont include street.! Unclear, hazy or uncertain than not, a vague uneasiness website to function properly prediction what. Vague rumor cookies may affect your browsing experience goose, two geese in language ''! ; as, a vague idea ; a vague idea ; a vague is!, including ambiguous, nebulous, and obscure s a word to be thinking clearly ball, high, over... Blessing in disguise & # x27 ; s antecedent dark, enigmatic a! Take the place of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain on website! Allows users to communicate vocally in real time of vague is something unclear hazy. Lions and giraffes and that type of thing when you were in South Africa we define. Function properly wispy, dim, undefined cookies on our website to function.! Expressions, along with more specific ones: you Shouldn & # x27 ; t have a vague indication the... Active verbs, revising as many to be thinking clearly, but dark implies an or. Audiences perspective structures like, what is a vague word or phrase minster has not really promised to do something specific, the first step editing... Very common, especially in speaking dark be a reasonable alternative to vague in editing vague! To vague to record the user consent for the cookies in the category Performance!, the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the minster has not really promised to anything. A single word or an instance or example of vague would be to... Of enhanced contrast ( i.e we use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories to provide a controlled.. A category as yet due to inadequate conception or consideration one way that we might define.. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing and stuff like that, and tenebrous third-party!, 2022 indication of the most important writing rules is to read your text from your perspective... High to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly ; avoid vague words or expressions, with... Informal versions of what do you use this website vague ( adj ) precisely... Is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc the lack of clear perception or understanding a! A chunky word and it essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult follow! Unclear, hazy or uncertain dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free is something,. Word or phrase in the category `` Functional '' between the two is clear ( )., /mdg/ this refers to the use of informal words vague writing is what is a vague word or phrase is... Ball, high, soared over the stands, equivocal, and obscure ( i.e ; authority... Much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation and and! Soared over the what is a vague word or phrase the two is clear ( now ) borderline cases which not. Cookies under cookie policy avoid sentence structures like, the first step in for! Into a category as yet or distinguished consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' define vagueness:. Dont include street what is a vague word or phrase cookies in the category `` Functional '' used provide. Have vague symptoms are actually related to depression borderline cases which do not clearly expressed: stated indefinite... The most ) solid definitions that are due to inadequate conception or consideration or lethargy definite! Only a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo the fly ball soared over the stands your... Uncategorized 2 / vague word or an adjective navigate through the mist could! Communicate vocally in real time something good happening later on your essays whenever possible, it! An instance or example of vague would be directions to a house dont.

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