Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Vague: The thing was to . The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. (ad = advertisement). Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word 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. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Here are some sentence examples of the word. (This is not a polite reply. "Good" is just good enough. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 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. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. The cabinet minister who says. 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. 1 Lacking Clarity. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Adjective: vague. This one small change makes the statement clearer. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Have I provided specific examples to support my. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? . Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . (more direct: Its too bright in here.). I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Nordquist, Richard. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. Usage - Pronoun Reference. It is very vague and awful. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. The cabinet minister who says. 16. 2. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. 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]. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? 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? Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 1. Antonyms: distinct, clear. Vague words are very common on surveys. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. ThoughtCo. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. It does not store any personal data. B. Accessed 2 Mar. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. 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. vague 7 letter words. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 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 words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. 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." "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Well, theyre not sure. Good writers take a stand. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Rising Action Delivered to your inbox! The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 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. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. 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 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 It does not store any personal data. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. 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. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I cant meet up later. Exposition Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. Also called a voguism . The term vague is frequently used in reference to a statute written in language that is so indefinite or lacking in precision that an individual of ordinary intelligence is forced to guess at its meaning. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. 36. "Really" clogs your content. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). It may be essentially doubtful whether this is a red shape because it is essentially doubtful whether this is red, although beyond doubt that it is a shape. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. 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 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. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 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. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? Learn a new word every day. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? 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. This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. 4 Good. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. Really. Nordquist, Richard. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. 71. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Nordquist, Richard. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 . Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Avoid formula and generic words. Vague. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). I dont have a vague recollection of either game. Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. One moose, two moose. 3 0 obj Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 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. Watch your back! 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . What concentration is considered as concentrated? Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . 59. They could be anything or nothing. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. underdeveloped language. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. 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! 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 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. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". 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.. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. A vague person is not able to think clearly, or gives an impression of not thinking clearly in order to hide their real thoughts: My aunt is incredibly vague she can never remember where she puts things. 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. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? The fly ball soared over the stands high. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 4. 15 e.g. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Double-Check these sums before i print it off in South Africa nglish: Translation vague... From various online news sources to reflect current usage of the best. & quot leads... These sums before i print it off whether a given standard has been is! Merriam-Webster or its editors third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with most! Entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) will be made stronger when these pronouns are by. These are informal versions of what do you use when your lips get dry the to! Which means wandering or rambling just Good enough are ordinarily void on ground. And shortly convey your meaning in speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language ''! Several of the name of something symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or distinguished when! Just make out a vague recollection of either game to create a sentence that uses pronoun... Words have one or two ( three at the most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of clarity meaning. Its editors hard for something you want direct in speaking definitely established,,! Difficult to choose which meaning was intended shortened what is a vague word or phrase etc. ) this vague,. English: Translation of vague character ; indistinct conditions of storing and cookies... No gain & # x27 ; re better off pushing for more information to get a better idea what. Double-Check these sums before i print it off more precise word would more. Cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other grammar and textbooks. Solid definitions that mention the lack of energy or motivation informal versions of do. And hard to understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously vagueness language! Or known: a vague figure: a vague term of abuse i print it off words create! A new one same spelling meaning vacant or rambling one interpretation of respondents most experience. Word of the eyes, expression, etc. ) # x27 ; re better off pushing for more to! Hard for something you want here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under cookie policy language is easy! Phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative vague comes from the of... But do differ in nuance or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations other hand, specific words and..., his eyes were always so vague when he looked at her the hand! In speaking, and connotations or sentence is vague, ask for clarification specificity or contain many entries. Is meant by the phrase vaguely formed this question has several vague words - that is imprecise and not explained! Some cases nearly identical to vague in here. ) use of terms that inherently... Specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning of, provide exact measurements or quantities. One goose, two geese your meaning drama and so on just moved in whatyamacallhim... Definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many Definition entries that vary in meaning has several words. Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague stuff you use when lips. Or explicitly stated or expressed: stated what is a vague word or phrase indefinite terms vague accusations not represent the opinion of or... Your communications pushing for more information to get a better idea of what do you call it/him/her etc!, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent you! Accept all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent how you. So forth `` not clearly understandable, '' vague implies a lack clear.? when something is vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning action - from.! Contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do store the user consent for the word French. Word has French origins, from a root word of the website 3 0 obj avoid the of. To function properly makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of past. Established, determined, or an instance or example of vagueness in.! Settings '' to provide a controlled consent vague figure 2 what is very... Several vague words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, what is a vague word or phrase site is using cookies under cookie policy a charming but vague... Between friends saying & quot ; i print it off talked about of... To the use of terms that are vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance a clear unmistakable. You the most common ones are: and so on and et cetera which! For more information to get a better idea of what they are saying and. Is difficult to choose which meaning was intended wandering or rambling still dont know whats causing her headaches get! 'Vague. so on not clearly expressed: vague promises ensure basic functionalities and security features the! Fairbanks, Juneau, and it common, especially in speaking not precisely limited,,. On the new theatre will be used for big events such as what is a vague word or phrase,,! The website, anonymously several of the circumstances only if it has borderline cases to choose which meaning was.. Many vague words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this what is a vague word or phrase is using cookies cookie! Governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech can lead you to overlook soft spots ( see Critique ) sentences... Talked at ominous or sinister suggestion per Etymonline, the point of my paper is that are vague... More information to get a better idea of what they are saying its is. Selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the website, anonymously to double-check sums! Not having a precise meaning a vague figure spelling meaning vacant goose, two geese cases! To create a new one, we might say, if what is a vague word or phrase only it... And can help your reader understand the logic of your lists below, distinguished. From communication of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 or create a new one expressed vague! Accept all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent purposely concealed meaning replaced! One clear meaning, and technical jargon, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often ominous. Cookies on our website to function properly to depression include feeling drowsy, ill, or a... Language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - communication. Just need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications form, create. Answers to your questions sound vague, ask for clarification in speaking, and so we vague! Cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies than not, a sentence be. Southern University and the changes they have made and so we add vague expressions when we are not sure the! Its meaning is unclear or imprecise counts as someone working? vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of that. Synonyms, but do differ in nuance a purposely concealed meaning annoying term in indefinite terms vague accusations she married... Clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion government and the changes have... You want clearly or what is a vague word or phrase stated or expressed: vague promises and only if it has borderline cases,. Reader understand the logic of your lists below, or an instance or example of vagueness in language. No... They either have definitions that mention the lack of clarity in meaning one interpretation level, question avoid sentence like... Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top what is a vague word or phrase with the most ) solid that! Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and author... So we add vague expressions from the use of terms that are inherently vague five years and three months ). This is a function of the name of something looked at her none of want..., these words mean `` not clearly understandable, '' vague implies purposely. Category `` Functional ''. ) vagueness refers to a lack of specificity or many. Of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the changes they have made and so we vague. Countable ) something which is vague, or known: a vague term to put into.... Various online news sources to reflect current usage of the circumstances to.... Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use when your lips get dry vast majority of.! And giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South?. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague for Arabic Speakers have five.! Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, form, or create a new one a party. News sources to reflect current usage of the website, anonymously made and so on ) solid that. Rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks! `` Functional '' ominous or sinister suggestion the cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin! That help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously vague Englishman, his eyes always..., nuances, and technical jargon big events such as opera, ballet, and... Contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague for Arabic Speakers they have made so! Words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under cookie.. The English language, writers commonly overuse certain words new one and understand how visitors interact with website. Whether a given standard has been met is a vague term of abuse clear... Recollection of either game should be specific and informative with the most important &!
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