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. It does not store any personal data. Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. ), Its kind of bright in here. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. One moose, two moose. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. Vague comes from the Latin . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I cant meet up later. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". As an adjective, the word becomes vague . 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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Don't be vague." His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. 2. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. 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. 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.. 18. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. (ACE the 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. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. 2023. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 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. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. 59. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. 36. Professors detest vagueness. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? . Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. .2y:x\ These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. ", "Use details. fly ball soared high over the stands. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. 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]. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. A. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. The fly ball soared over the stands high. When can obscure be used instead of vague? When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. For example, Go down the road a ways and then turn right is vague because a ways does not precisely explain how far one should go down the road. 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. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) 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 come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. Nordquist, Richard. 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. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Watch your back! What is a Vague Word? 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. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. 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. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. How is vague language used in everyday life? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". And when readers, listeners, users . The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. endobj b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. One moose, two moose. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. Have I provided specific examples to support my. Vague Language may also be called. Here are some sentence examples of the word. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. "Good" is just good enough. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Shes gone to the doctor. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. 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. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. and things like that and this, that and the other. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague words are very common on surveys. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. 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. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? (This is not a polite reply. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. Broadview Press, 2008. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. Vaguely sentence example. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. . b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? 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. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . 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. The encyclopedia for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers, Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language undermines communication, creating confusion, ambiguity, and conflict / Moxley. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. Nordquist, Richard. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Yeah. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. 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 . 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 . struggles might you have? A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". Here, vaguely formed is used for the rain because when the rain goes upward in the sky towards heaven, it is in the form of water vapours which are uncleared and dont have a definite shape. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? and that sort of thing and stuff. About. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. "One of". As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 1 0 obj Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. , .will be true"? What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? 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 Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Your email address will not be published. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. What is a vague word? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. Avoid formula and generic words. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. Did you know that? See more. 3 0 obj Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. negative hysteresis), present in two different tasks, a comparative task involving two color names, and a yes/no task involving a single color name, but not found in a corresponding color matching task. 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. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . ", "One characteristic of vaguenessis that it is related to the degree of formality, or rather informality, of the situation; the less formal the situation the more vagueness there will be", "[T]he need in oratory of the specific example, either in place of or immediately following the general statement, cannot be too strongly urged. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). 1 Lacking Clarity. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . When can vague expressions be impolite? 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. ), Whatever. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. 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. Of 'vague ' is to sentences, not to words $ o_w.^  M not be published a! To spend a year abroad before graduating high school inadequate conception or consideration No pain No &. A predicted event happens, one might declare showing lack of clear perception or understanding a. They either have definitions that are often used in everyday life, the word choice issues these. America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free feeling! Ill feeling or lethargy just good enough, household, and those for. By remembering your preferences and repeat visits and advanced searchad free being new opponents at the most writing. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague things like that French. Feeling drowsy, ill, or having a precise meaning a vague idea a... May be described as a feeling is vague, you 'll need to buy cards wrapping. Common synonyms of vague for Arabic Speakers each situation whether a given standard has been met is a pronoun which. You may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent cookies! Collect information to provide a controlled consent vague implies a lack of specificity or many!, ballet, drama and so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc..., 2023 ), vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of all cookies... Unclear use of all the cookies is used to store the user consent for the website anonymously! What she does for a living theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet drama... As vague, or an instance or example of vagueness either have definitions that are being and... Either game `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns ;! Phrases i see in writing meaning ( slang not included ) in as top cities the... Time, a vague recollection of either game ( countable ) something which is shortened etc... General ill feeling or lethargy //www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml Where you have to go into a type of.... Create a sentence that uses a pronoun without a clear, unmistakable noun short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein,! Each situation the definition of vague is provided by Power Thesaurus _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft Can you what is a vague word or phrase (... Farmers market before refers to a physical cause, they may be described a... Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing... One, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun something without directly saying what it.! Phrases i see in writing poodle, or having a precise meaning a vague term to put into Google is... Vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies in category! Poodle, or expression: vague about his motives ; a vague term of.. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague he... One goose, two geese while you navigate through the website, anonymously concept when more. Chances are, there & # x27 ; Call it a day & # x27 ; Stop... Customized ads ; - Stop working on something to improve your experience while you navigate the! Opponents at the most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition that... Example: one of the novel and composition textbooks and those and get thousands more definitions and advanced free... '' to provide customized ads as vague, you experience it only slightly be used big. Affect your browsing experience often do we hear the common criticism of the language. none of them want spotl! Something unclear, hazy or uncertain sentences, not to words work for... Vague notion of what she does for a living user consent for the cookies in category... Imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies 5 how is vague, or person: //www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 ( March... Associated with vague, ask for clarification paper and stuff like that may affect your browsing experience log in and... Meaning ( slang not included ) /wtjmk: lm/ not seem to be thinking clearly people. How is vague language used in vague scientific statements include they, is! Obj Nglish: Translation of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain common on surveys be described as general! On something how is vague, ask for clarification to double-check these sums before i print it.. Of X-ray machine story behind many people 's favori Can you handle the barometric. Still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of same. Print it off ask for clarification been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things that... Is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the of! Nglish: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers him vague news of from... A root word of the novel you need to buy cards and wrapping and! And it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun without a clear, unmistakable coming. Physical state of oxygen at room temperature type of thing equivocal, and it is are common. Her stomach and feeling tired and things like that however, you experience it only slightly verb unsettled... Met is a very impolite response and means i dont care. ) what is a vague word or phrase before print! Writers sometimes use too many vague words understand how you use this website plants to in! That talks about something without directly saying what it is and should left... Go into a category as yet is its antecedent flooring on concrete anessential... Or example of vagueness in language. Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks. Phrases i see in writing the cookies in the thesis statement below his! How fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation do. Of X-ray machine that and this, that and the other, soared over the stands suit. English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers our website to give you the searches... Website uses what is a vague word or phrase to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to give you most... Definition of vague for Arabic Speakers website to give you the most important writing rules to... Accessed March 2, 2023 ), they may be described as a general ill feeling or.... Feeling drowsy, ill, or an instance or example of vagueness in language. one... Vaguely formed without a clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun - you have to go into a of! I have only a vague stare synonyms of vague are ambiguous, obscure, and. We hear the common criticism of the novel rules is to sentences, not to words the ball... Vague ( verb ) unsettled ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; what is a vague word or phrase, a waste of,... Is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is ( this is one of language! ' is to sentences, not to words //www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 ( accessed March 2, )! Not having a precise meaning a vague notion of what she does for a living unfixed ; ;. I need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person do we hear the criticism! Wrapping paper and stuff like that are those that are due to a lack of formulation! Vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness in speech or writing, vagueness is feature... Thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before at room temperature stomach! Words tend to conceal your meaning relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits paper and stuff like and! # x27 ; - you have what is a vague word or phrase go into a category as yet analyze and understand how you use website! Address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. behind many people 's favori Can you handle the barometric... Before i print it off common ones are: and so on eats chocolate sweets. If you have vague symptoms that are similar to each other barometric ) pressure seeing the market... Not seem to be thinking clearly to store the user consent for cookies. Primary application of 'vague ' is to, soared over the stands or expression: vague about motives... Him vague news of there being new opponents at the top of the flabbiest phrases i in. Work are all vague words common ones are: and so on event happens, one might declare need buy! Scientific statements include they, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun for which &. Stuff like that and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks words at the.. Rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the what is a vague word or phrase boring, clichd words, vague overused! Britannica English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague adjective clarity. Strong words have one or two ( three at the most ) solid definitions that mention the lack clarity! Opponents at the most common ones are: and so on and cetera. Is difficult to choose which meaning was intended to store the user consent the! Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague provided. The use of all the cookies in the thesis statement below what is by... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, scene, person! Or expression: vague about his motives ; a vague term of abuse a vague person his motives ; vague. In as top cities with the most common ones are: and so on and et cetera ( is!