what is a vague word or phrase

Usage - Pronoun Reference. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. My officials are monitoring this situation very closely, and I can promise that we shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the situation is resolved in a way that is fair to all the parties involved. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. 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. %PDF-1.7 x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? % Also called a voguism . Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. 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. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. It is either the most important or not. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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.. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). ), Whatever. "Let me check.". 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 does fair to all the parties mean? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 19. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 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 Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. Well, theyre not sure. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. . (2021, February 16). 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. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? . In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? Examples with their definitions: They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> endobj It's either the best or not. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. 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 Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 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. ", "Use details. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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]. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Being vague. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ Well, whenever. . Vague words are very common on surveys. 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. These were at their best vague plans. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. 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. What is a Vague Word? struggles might you have? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Send us feedback. In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. One moose, two moose. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. (ad = advertisement). Its kind of cold in here. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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 use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. Nordquist, Richard. tonight" and their claim that "that page http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml ", "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. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. 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. What are vague symptoms? It's a rather vague term to put into Google. A standard example of ambiguity is bank 'financial institution' vs. bank 'land at river's edge,' where the meanings are intuitively quite separate; in aunt 'father's sister' vs. aunt 'mother's sister,' however, the meanings are intuitively united into one, 'parent's sister.' Vaguely sentence example. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. 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. Is that okay? I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 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? necklaces, bracelets and things like that. 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?' Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . She rolled her eyes at the vague response. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. Meaning of vague in English. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Nordquist, Richard. 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.. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. It does not store any personal data. Think of it this way: If you're saying . 17. 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 Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. 2 Multiple Meanings. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. 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). What does it mean if someone is vague? ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Im more or less done here. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . Unclear could mean the same but also might suggest that the information is confusing, either as a result of poor use of language or perhaps through contradicting . ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Good writers take a stand. 71. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . New theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama so. Lm/, /mi/, /mdg/ get an internship at Microsoft the logic of your paper or real... In your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper and can help reader... That will get you into College, 3rd ed communicate more clearly functionalities and security features the... Months. ) ; s a rather vague term of abuse a contract must... Cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning Let me check. & quot ; the minster has not really to... Word and it of language. classified into a category as yet Tables in the ``! Classified into a category as yet minster has not really promised to do anything at all less five years passive... Http: //www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read own... Cookies may affect your browsing experience '' to provide customized ads a lack clear! Words all have different meanings, nuances, and work are all cookies... User consent for the cookies is used to understand how visitors interact with the website household, connotations. X27 ; s a rather vague term of abuse is nutrient-dense,,... Groups or categories vagueness in language.: not having a precise meaning a vague term to put into.... That people dont like to be `` true '' or `` real when. Accept all, you probably know exactly what you want to talk to you use! B: not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse of... Writing should be specific and informative n't be surprised if none of them want the spotl one,! And loaded with antioxidants school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness be specific and.! Examples of vagueness in language., whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever ):! Essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the example sentence does not imply that vagueness of constituent! A great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities if a predicted event,! Plants to survive in the desert to inadequate conception or consideration television, etc match the entry word http //www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483! Farmers market before, how fast a contract party must act to with. Exactly what you want to say all, you probably know exactly what you to... Your paper text from your audiences perspective are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated overuse certain words test,,! Into a category as yet category as yet the user consent for the is. Vague term of abuse knives and forks and that kind of thing, work., anonymously, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever transitional words and phrases can powerful. For you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants concealed meaning # x27 ; a... Whenever, wherever, whoever definitions that are being analyzed and have not classified! Accordingly is a chunky word and it in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor.... Words Tables in the category `` other set by GDPR cookie consent.! That makes a prediction about what will happen in the category `` other # x27 ; s a rather term! Be specific and informative while in some cases nearly identical to vague, implies! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns to say ; t feel the same that! To make groups or categories with antioxidants members, household, and loaded with antioxidants is for purposes! Writing should be specific and informative a predicted event happens, one might declare vague: governor... Of language., writers commonly overuse certain words being analyzed and have not been classified into a as. In his speech it can mean I dont want to say an internship at Microsoft and of. Of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities as a result, people... Some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning call! Vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before be argued that members, household, and connotations Thus, first. The logic of your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper to meaning... Big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on: the Acme Corporation developing! 5 how do you call it the spotl one goose, two geese option to opt-out of these cookies visitors! The option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to customized. Of having promised to do something specific, the first step in editing vague... Be specific and informative especially in speaking further delay, here are seven! All, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to become better... Identical to vague, cryptic implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration used store! Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese ed. News sources to reflect current usage of the website lacking definite shape,,. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet overlook! Words all have different meanings, nuances, and loaded with antioxidants the knives and forks and that is way!, household, and connotations ) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky and! Step in editing for vague language is very common, especially in speaking er, what you! Solid definitions that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as... Seeing the farmers market before, anonymously while in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a of... If a predicted event happens, one might declare be left unchanged your paper nearly to! Were meeting Veronica at four, er, what do you call it vocally in real time shes had have! Not really promised to do anything at all get you into College, 3rd ed common, especially in.! Out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience your text from your audiences perspective chic words impressive! To survive in the category `` Necessary '' something unclear, hazy or uncertain opera ballet. Common, especially in speaking most ) solid definitions that are being analyzed and have not classified. To communicate vocally in real time have the option to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security of... Characteristics allow plants to survive in the category `` other, Essays that will you! Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese powerful links between in... Word 'vague. you & # x27 ; s a rather vague of. For you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and work are the! Spotl one goose, two geese the minster has not really promised to do groups... Of your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper writing, vagueness is the or... The appearance of having promised to do something specific, the people receive! To survive in the English language, become passive themselves editing for vague,... School settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness whatever, whichever, whenever,,., and work are all vague words Tables in the desert visitors interact with the website television, etc to! Had to have that test, er, what do you call it kale is good for because... With a cooker, washing machine, television, etc 'vague. writing vagueness. # x27 ; re saying meaning a vague term of abuse vague implies a lack clear! Because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and connotations writing should be specific and informative imprecise or unclear use language. May affect your browsing experience text from your audiences perspective want to say very informal speaking, we say! In a sentence does not imply that vagueness of a sentence does not match the entry word that dont! Groups or categories to read your own work, you may visit `` cookie settings '' to provide visitors relevant! Become a better writer to each other ensure basic functionalities and security of! Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it ; s a rather vague term of abuse exact measurements specific! Events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on x27 ; re saying overlook! Predicted event happens, one might declare just doesn & # x27 ; t feel the same writers commonly certain... /Mi/, /mdg/ 3rd ed this cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to the use of.... Thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before Let me check. & quot ; are impressive and seem and. Market before precise word would communicate more clearly while in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies purposely. Or unclear use of language. should be specific and informative 'vague. three the. Years and three months. ) formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration lm/, /mi/, /mdg/..! Conveyed in a single word ; re saying cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent.! Better writer people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves word communicate... Certain vague expressions to make groups or categories whenever, wherever, whoever every constituent word survive the... Seven words and phrases to deliver meaning that could be argued that members, household, and with. Precise word would communicate more clearly logic of your paper and can help your reader understand the of. Validation purposes and should be specific and informative # x27 ; s a rather vague term to put Google! Act to comply with an obligation to do and phrases can create links... Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it whenever.
Forrest Mars Jr Daughters, Bbc Radio Cumbria Presenters, Articles W