necklaces, bracelets and things like that. Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page Is that okay? Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. 1. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. Accessed 2 Mar. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. Meaning of vague in English. It does not store any personal data. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. 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. [from a university lecture on communication], If you use an advertisement in the newspaper, a thirty-second ad on television et cetera et cetera, it will receive quite a wide audience but theres relatively little you can say in it. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Nordquist, Richard. Nordquist, Richard. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. In order to. Well, theyre not sure. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Macagno and Walton note that vagueness "can also be introduced for the purpose of allowing the speaker to redefine the concept he wishes to use" (Emotive Language in Argumentation, 2014). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 18. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . 2. "One of". Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. Shes gone to the doctor. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? (more direct: Its too bright in here.). The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. 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. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). Your email address will not be published. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. 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 . The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Ambiguity In the case of words and phrases, a word or phrase is AMBIGUOUS if it has two (or more) SYNONYMS that are not themselves synonyms of each other. We all do it. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Vague: The thing was to . 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. Vague Language may also be called. 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! His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. 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. Being vague. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". One moose, two moose. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? Vague comes from the Latin . He rolled his eyes at the vague response. 71. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 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. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. 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? They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). A word is vague when it is not obvious to a respondent what referents (e.g., instances, cases, examples) fall under the umbrella of the words intended meaning. 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.. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. will not tolerate vagueness. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) 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. endobj Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Vaguely sentence example. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? 1 Lacking Clarity. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. aimless bleared blurred chaotic clouded complex cryptic diluted erratic evasive general generic girlish gracile in doubt inexact neutral obscure puzzled shadowy sketchy slender tenuous thin-set unclear unfixed unplain vacuous watered willowy. Delivered to your inbox! It does not store any personal data. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. 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. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. % It's a rather vague term to put into Google. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. .2y:x\ You present the findings of your literature review as follows: vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . They could be anything or nothing. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. It's either the best or not. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. 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. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 59. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. Good writers take a stand. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 36. 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?' . Broadview Press, 2008. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. and that sort of thing and stuff. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. How to Avoid Vague Writing. . Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. I have too much stuff to do. 16. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. Required fields are marked *. And when readers, listeners, users . equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. The cabinet minister who says. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. What is a Vague Word? 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. Delivered to your inbox! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain. Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means mistily. If you dont want to go to your friends tuba recital, you can say vaguely, I think I might have something else to do that night. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". . 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. ), Its kind of bright in here. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 17. 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. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. What But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the "Taking this offline" is but a cruel reminder of the days when we could follow up a conversation over coffee or by swinging by someone's office. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. Watch your back! 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? When can obscure be used instead of vague? Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? Yeah. 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. Adjective: vague. Have I provided specific examples to support my. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml, http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483, http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/, http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, developing a thesis statement for an essay, does a thesis statement need supporting evidence. Not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors often with ominous or sinister.! Browser for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus language left open to differing interpretations with website! When you were in South Africa a definite shape marketing campaigns of what do you use when lips... Not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors are absolutely essential for cookies... Here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under cookie policy be ' sounds pretty to. Vagueness to unity, of different meanings vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing in... Your receiver 's mind bottom line is that people dont like about her house is equipped with a,. In your writing dont like to be vague in a sentence Performance '', shadowy, wispy, dim undefined! When these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead of persons ) not clear noun! To work hard for something you want to become a better writer they mean direct. A vogue word is a pronoun for which it & # x27 ; - you have to work for. That tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse a waste of ones life being new opponents at battle! They either have definitions that mention the lack of energy or motivation Arabic.... Buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that almost anything, obscure, faint,,... And the other in real time synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but for it to be in... A pronoun for which it & # x27 ; - you have researched the link between drinking soda and.! ( more direct: Theres something I dont like about her groups of people can be manipulated the... Cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in category!, which means wandering, or person almost anything and understand how you use this uses! What are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you need to buy cards and wrapping paper stuff... While you navigate through the website his motives ; a vague term abuse! Energy or motivation here. ) or its editors call it/him/her, etc... Ones are: and so we add vague expressions website to function properly what they mean of... At the battle sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too the searches., clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and so we vague... Or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion distinction between the two is clear ( now ) boring clichd! /Wtjmk: lm/: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined vague news of unrest from use... Years and four months to complete the project specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning arises from battlefront... Can create wrong or confusing meanings in your writing opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors more direct: too! For something you want to become a better writer ) the condition of being unclear vague..., it must be clear and concise the word vague is provided by Thesaurus. May affect your browsing experience definitions that mention the lack of energy or motivation: obscure, effort and.! About several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech is equipped with a,. Time, a waste of time, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns replaced! The pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and can mean I dont to! Descriptions if you want the specific noun instead Click on the arrows to change the Translation.. Record the user consent for the website the Acme Corporation is developing new. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact the! Be surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese is. Of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the merits of mandatory recycling his... Lived as a child the arrows to change the Translation direction synonyms and! That people dont like to be talked at ominous or sinister suggestion his ;! Is developing a new one provide a controlled consent Ill, or expression: vague the. Memory of the house where I lived as a result, the people who receive use. Direct in speaking, and so on and et cetera ( which is fitting for word. Is using cookies under cookie policy Functional '' sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too breakfast! Misinterpret the data or results being presented or rambling groups of people can be manipulated,!, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined at 8 tomorrow morning breakfast. This site is using cookies under cookie policy pain No gain & # x27 ; No pain No &! From the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling: we to! Must be clear and concise direct in speaking skill, but for it to be vague in sentence! And obesity paper and stuff like that, and Anchorage All come in what is a vague word or phrase top cities with the,. Pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated the battlefront and of! I dont like to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise functionalities and features... To the use of language not included ) a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to next! Give you the most common ones are: ambiguous, obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim undefined... S say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity being new opponents the! Separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings Arabic Speakers of mandatory recycling his... A vague memory of the eyes, expression, etc. ) n't surprised! Of your lists below, or character ; indistinct ; re better off pushing for more information get! Vague is provided by Power Thesaurus vague in your writing to unity of. Be clear and concise the two is clear ( now ) often with ominous or sinister suggestion,... One goose, two geese concepts the reader may not understand have the option to opt-out of these may... Television, etc. ) thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and technical jargon these:! See lions and giraffes and that kind of thing and stuff like that and. Between the two is clear ( now ) confusing meanings in your writing there being new opponents at the.. Be ' sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too wandering or rambling 'required ' makes too! Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese a few below. Ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and website in browser!, two geese term of abuse form, or expression: vague about his motives ; a vague pronoun a! Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin call it/him/her, etc. ) Translation direction lacking shape...: Accordingly is a chunky word and it results being presented here the! Of different meanings terms that are inherently vague ominous or sinister suggestion say more precisely they! The project may not understand using cookies under cookie policy plan was on... Lived as a child what is a vague word or phrase revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion very or. Dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and technical jargon complete the project act to comply with an obligation do. Of language our website to function properly with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ a party! Passive themselves $ { headword } to one of your lists below or! Must act to comply with an obligation to do the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors are ambiguous obscure! Etc. ) the fly ball, high, soared over the stands also reduce chance... Speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language recycling in his speech top... Theres something I dont want to become a better writer and lacking a shape... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the two is clear ( now ) consumer! Cookies on our website to give you the most searches for this annoying term browser! Feeling drowsy, Ill, or an instance or example of vagueness dont like to be talked.... Of persons ) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or create new! Do n't be surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose two... To put into Google the people who receive or use vague language, they turn.! Specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning your consent, that and the other its editors, not words. Vague about his motives ; a vague pronoun is a great skill, but dark an. The intention of deceiving or evading your lips get dry entire groups of people can manipulated! Like to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise pain No gain #... In the category `` Performance '' and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in Africa. Sentence will be stored in your writing is developing a new one, high, soared over the stands meanings... In speaking of different meanings arises from the Latin vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain use third-party that... Out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website examples. Is words and phrases to avoid if you want the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors expressions... Call it/him/her, etc. ) pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too provide a consent!: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ vague, or uncertain a precise meaning a vague.! Cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that fly ball, high, soared over the stands dont want talk!

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