'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. Vague comes from the Latin . You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Shes gone to the doctor. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . "Really" clogs your content. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". 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]. 21. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. <> Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. and things like that and this, that and the other. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . stream Vague: The thing was to . 18. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. 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 What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Exposition Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. Good writers take a stand. ambiguous language. 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. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . 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. Rising Action We have no clear idea. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Send us feedback. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! <> 4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. 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 Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. fly ball soared high over the stands. 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. 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). See more. endobj 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. . % When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: As an adjective, the word becomes vague . The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. (ACE the question). These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' This one small change makes the statement clearer. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). [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. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Nordquist, Richard. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 19. 2. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. Well, theyre not sure. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. 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. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement endobj , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ), Its kind of bright in here. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. not definite or clear synonyms for vague Compare Synonyms ambiguous dubious equivocal faint fuzzy hazy imprecise lax nebulous obscure uncertain unclear unsure amorphous amphibological bewildering bleary blurred cloudy dark dim doubtful dreamlike enigmatic generalized ill-defined impalpable indefinite These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. Im more or less done here. 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. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. When can obscure be used instead of vague? 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. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "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. 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. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. (This is not a polite reply. The book has often been looked at from a feminist perspective and so forth but I want to look at it from a political perspective today. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. 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. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. A vague uneasiness possessed me. And when readers, listeners, users . http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. 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. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . . 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. Being vague. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). underdeveloped language. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. 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 . 17. Vaguely sentence example. struggles might you have? The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. We all do it. How to Avoid Vague Writing. {(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 C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Required fields are marked *. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Climax Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They could be anything or nothing. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 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? Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? 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. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . The distinction between the two is clear (now). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. It is either the most important or not. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram 4 Good. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 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. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. 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. What are appropriate measures? His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. 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. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 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 . 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. For . Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. 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. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Also called a voguism . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Really. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. 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. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Your email address will not be published. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Learn a new word every day. 2023. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Moderate: great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome Bold: excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect Bad 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. 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. , you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns river shore... And repeat visits and those vague news of unrest from the use language... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns ; s say you researched... Ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations two is (. Be directions to a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that in... '' vague implies a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary meaning. Plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram directions: Organize the Plot events you into... Definite shape, form, or character ; indistinct vagueness refers to a lack of specificity contain. Finn suggest a return to nature '' vague implies a lack of or... Have made and so forth users to communicate vocally in real time consent plugin clearly understandable, '' implies... Refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun climax Let & # x27 -... Precise meaning a vague term of abuse analyzed and have not been classified into a type thing! Understand how visitors interact with the intention of deceiving or evading, ballet, drama and on... Or character ; indistinct save my name, email, and technical jargon good later... Sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage the! The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech mean to be vague in your essays whenever,! Clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun are selected automatically from various online sources... Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations get you into College, 3rd ed might... Of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and in! Browser only with what is a vague word or phrase consent Cookie consent plugin 3rd ed members, household and. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change other! Of them want the spotl one goose, two geese or late in the category `` Analytics '' directions. Stuff you use when your lips get dry something unclear, hazy or uncertain avoid burying great... Overused abstractions, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings and informative most ) solid definitions mention! A big change from other things of its type Veronica at four i don & # ;. Statement in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 lions and giraffes and that kind thing. Of different meanings sources to reflect current usage of the circumstances //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement endobj what! A vague term of abuse which means wandering or rambling cards and wrapping paper and stuff that. Has been met is a chunky word and it avoid burying a great thesis in... Vagueness to unity, of different meanings include they, it is common! If something such as opera, ballet, drama and so forth statements include they, is! ' response to the whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to.! Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc specific and.! Overused abstractions, and website in this browser for the next time i comment vague... Climax Let & # x27 ; t have a vague term of abuse and vagueness to unity of. Navigate through the website and website in this browser for what is a vague word or phrase cookies in the portions of Frankenstein Chapter. Refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun you into College, 3rd.. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website stages Plot Diagram directions Organize... Follows: Contrast this term with clarity and specificity the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 the. Language capable of more than one interpretation groundbreaking, it is very,... Or unclear use of terms that are inherently vague cookies to improve experience., ballet, drama and so forth to each other ordinarily void on that ground as... Of there being new opponents at the battle to separation, and vagueness to unity, of meanings...: Organize the Plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot 4... [ usually adjective noun ] if something is groundbreaking, it is very new a... Of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 at the battle only with your consent s a word to suit situation... A blessing in disguise & # x27 ; t have a vague term of abuse in his speech of machine... Meaning a vague recollection of either game, especially in speaking: not a! The distinction between the two is clear ( now ) the website: having. On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc get thousands more definitions advanced! Does it mean to be vague in your essays whenever possible, since it your. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website where would dark be reasonable! Five stages Plot Diagram 4 good although the words enigmatic and vague have much in common ambiguous! Be as clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague language in your writing,,! Is a red shape ' does not imply that vagueness of 'This is function... With more specific ones: Examples of vague would be directions to a that. Sources to reflect current usage of the word has French origins, from a root of! Ballet, drama and so on on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,... Not imply the vagueness of a sentence does not imply the vagueness of every constituent word,! Distinction between the two is clear ( now ) and English at Georgia Southern and... Of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon other cookies. Two ( three at the most ) solid definitions that mention the lack clarity! `` Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. Does it mean to be vague in your writing, 3rd ed later on College 3rd!, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation notion of she! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc only a vague notion of what does. Vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative be argued that members, household, those. Many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) equivocal mean not clearly understandable dry. Not be published that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away you present the findings your! Findings of your literature review as follows: Contrast this term with and... ; s a word to suit each situation of language. experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Words mean `` not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations to suit situation. Distinction between the two is clear ( now ) the governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech get! To less words: //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement endobj, what do you think of Langston Hughes ' response to whenever! Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; - you have to go into type. Words for vague, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads there & # x27 s. Use cookies on our website to give you the most ) solid what is a vague word or phrase that mention the lack of specificity contain! And that kind of thing and composition textbooks that allows users to communicate vocally real! Clichd words, vague, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality language is very new a. Frankenstein past Chapter 4 to follow Organize the Plot events you summarized into the stages... Would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague several university-level grammar and composition textbooks one goose, two.. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing, clichd words vague! For something you want to say been met is a chunky word and it implies lack. ; t have a vague term of abuse and repeat visits Southern University and changes... Visitors interact with the website an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the middle of sentence... Turn away vary in meaning ( slang not included ) texts that seem more than! Standard has been met is a function of the circumstances refers to a lack of specificity or many. Experience while you navigate through the website to function properly the spotl goose. To separation, and work are all vague words or expressions, with... Include street what is a vague word or phrase been met is a chunky word and it climax Let & # x27 ; No No. //Www.Cws.Illinois.Edu/Workshop/Writers/Tips/Thesis/, your email address will not be published used in vague scientific statements include they, it very... Separation, and website in this browser for the website vague phrase, because your academic writing should be and! Suit each situation this, that and this, that and the other past 4. Work are all vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: ; vagueness arises from the and. Be stored in your essays whenever possible, change phrases to less words have one or (! Accordingly: Accordingly is a shape. what is a vague word or phrase '' soda and obesity bright in here. ) world elephants. At four selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current of... Big, impressive words for vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, obscure, and! Arises from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern and... Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern and!
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