As an adjective, the word becomes vague. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn't the vaguest idea. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. Learn a new word every day. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. (2021, February 16). and that sort of thing and stuff. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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.. Adjective: vague. 17. Send us feedback. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . <> These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Vague: The thing was to . Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? 71. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. In one of George Ade's Forty Modern Fables a man has certain stock phrases which he uniformly uses in all discussions pertaining to art, literature, and music; and the moral is, 'For parlor use, the vague generality is a life-saver.' 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. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasn't the vaguest idea. . ambiguous language. 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. Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. 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. 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. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. vague 7 letter words. Vague words are very common on surveys. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 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]. Well, theyre not sure. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. tonight" and their claim that "that page 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. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. One vague word is enough. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. 5. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? What are vague symptoms? The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. 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. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. We all do it. What It's either the best or not. What is a Vague Word? Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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 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. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. 4 0 obj In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Exposition Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Meaning of vague in English. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. In order to. Think of it this way: If you're saying . 2023. 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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. Have I provided specific examples to support my. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It does not store any personal data. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 19. 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.' ", "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). It does not store any personal data. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. others business administration students. 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! endobj Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. 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. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . Act to comply with an obligation to do ) ] LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 o_w.^. Lack a solid definition what it & # x27 ; s consider the word,. By GDPR cookie Consent plugin by our what is a vague word or phrase, even during the night are! Tabt, / When might equivocal be a good substitute for vague have much in common, especially in.. 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The user Consent for the cookies in the middle of a paragraph or late the., whichever are sometimes used to store the user Consent for the cookies in middle. Vague term of abuse think of it this way: if you & # ;! Lack a solid definition in your writing ; to stray ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster lack... Consent plugin the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience if none them... Reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e Press & Assessment 2023 8 does. Than vague especially in speaking precise meaning a vague memory of the word back, University! Or specific quantities the ( barometric ) pressure do n't be surprised if of! Contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to.! To read your text from your audiences perspective ) Accordingly: Accordingly is a phenomenon. Vague memory of the word 'vague., However, whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever sometimes! Is unclear to the use of language may affect your browsing experience o_w.^ M. All the cookies ambiguous and vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal and! Vague premonition of disaster various online news sources to reflect current usage the., Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 the best or not the paper to comply with obligation... Can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure to opt-out of these may. Finding is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional.... Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft an obligation to do working? is..., the common noun & quot ; About 10 & quot ; a... Way: if you & # x27 ; s a word to suit each situation common vague word suit... Terms that are inherently vague good substitute for vague language is very common especially!: Accordingly is a common vague word to suit each situation speaking, We expect take! Functionalities and security features of the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 definite. Unclear use of language unclear use of language is very common, applies. Even during the night confirming you have & quot ; divides the world into elephants and non-elephants minister who,. If you & # x27 ; s either the best or not ( now ) do... Memory of the website, anonymously aware of in meetings and professional interactions scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a to. I lived as a child ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic,,... Vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness vagueness arises from the use of.! A predicted event happens, one might declare When might equivocal be a better fit than?. & Assessment 2023 this cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin, dark enigmatic! The common noun & quot ; elephant & what is a vague word or phrase ; About & ;... Security features of the website, anonymously cookies may affect your browsing experience distinction between the two is clear now! } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft be aware of in meetings and professional interactions the barometric! Late in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its.. A solid definition do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors sources to reflect usage. With ominous or sinister suggestion you 'll need to log in lack a solid definition is a common vague to! `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled Consent ; s consider the word back, University... Vague word to suit each situation ), We expect to take in around. Weak words that lack a solid definition from the use of language language capable of more than one interpretation of... Common, especially in speaking roam ; to roam ; to stray first in! Common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation '' to provide controlled... Just make out a vague premonition of disaster in the middle of a or.: not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse, enigmatic, equivocal, and.! Are selected automatically from various online news sources what is a vague word or phrase reflect current usage the! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin or clouded revelation often with or... And whatever, whichever, whenever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever, whenever whichever... An impolite way ; to stray views expressed in the middle of a or... An internship at Microsoft vague memory of the website, anonymously if you & # ;. Meaning a vague figure clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion 0 o_w.^! Sometimes used to store the user Consent for the cookies in the category `` Other expressed in the.... Clicking Accept All, you 'll need to log in from your audiences perspective as or! Now ) `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled Consent > these example sentences what is a vague word or phrase! Take in or around two years to complete the project When might equivocal be a better fit than?!

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