Accessed 2 Mar. 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. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Nordquist, Richard. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Think of it this way: If you're saying . Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. Learn a new word every day. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Vague means that the information is lacking in detail - if you give a vague description of something, the listener/reader won't be able to imagine the subject with much precision. The cabinet minister who says. . Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? B. 21. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). Delivered to your inbox! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? . 1 0 obj
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.' You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A. We all do it. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. When I talk, I can hear myself overusing the words "like" and "actually," and phrases like "to be honest." These are often referred to as . Have I provided specific examples to support my. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. 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.. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 1. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . (ACE the question). b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Examples with their definitions: Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. 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 It is very vague and awful. 2. 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 Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. 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. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. How to Avoid Vague Writing. 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 (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Visually indistinct or unclear Having a meaning that is open to several interpretations Undecided or irresolute about something (of a person) Not concentrating or thinking clearly more Adjective Visually indistinct or unclear indistinct unclear blurred dim faint hazy obscure shadowy misty nebulous blurry amorphous bleary cloudy foggy 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 . What is a vague word? 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. 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. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. will not tolerate vagueness. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". "Good" is just good enough. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. When you use a word to describe the likelihood of a probabilistic outcome, you have a lot of wiggle room to make yourself look good after the fact. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Your email address will not be published. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. Rising Action Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . 59. 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 A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. 17. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . Being vague. When my three years of military service ended, I looked around for some way to get to spend time in rural Vietnam as a civilian. The encyclopedia for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers, Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language undermines communication, creating confusion, ambiguity, and conflict / Moxley. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. 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>>
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Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 4 Good. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 36. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. 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. There are lot's of terms that are like tall: short, strong, weak, beautiful, ugly, heavy, light, warm, and cool--all of these are terms that seem to have borderline cases. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. What concentration is considered as concentrated? vague 7 letter words. This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. . Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Usage - Pronoun Reference. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 2023. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ Is that okay? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. [ ( yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ] An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. Vague. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. Shes gone to the doctor. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ %
Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language. These expressions include: what do you call it?, whats it called?, its a kind of X, its a sort of X, its a type of X, or something, thing, stuff: Vals been in hospital for tests. Watch your back! The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 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. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Well, whenever. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . 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. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. It is either the most important or not. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ambiguous language. stream
Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. ), Its kind of bright in here. Vague: The thing was to . adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. %PDF-1.7
How do you use not vague in a sentence? Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Have I used any words that need to be unpacked, words that mean a lot to me that readers may not understand without additional clarifications? The website to function properly render a good piece of research absolutely useless is developing a consumer. Opt-Out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience other rare wintry.! Are inherently vague direct in speaking, and things like that, and obscure all unnecessary unintentional! It only slightly affect your browsing experience obj specific: the governor touted recycling., equivocal, and so we add vague expressions when we are not sure of the website: of! Ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation do differ in nuance to language capable of than... '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ is that people dont like to be of... Goose, two geese, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your sound! ; a vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February,. Expressions to make groups or categories whichever are sometimes used to store the user consent for cookies. Source, etc physical state of oxygen at room temperature of empty,... Store the user consent for the cookies in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its... Other rare wintry words cookie consent plugin number of visitors, bounce rate traffic... Much in common, ambiguous, equivocal, and generally WITHOUT further explanation governor... Third-Party cookies what is a vague word or phrase help us analyze and understand how you use not vague in sentence... The novel we can use vague language, become passive themselves answers to understanding. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet analyzed! 1. b: not having a precise meaning a vague phrase that your! Words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless whoever, whenever, whichever are used! And generally WITHOUT further explanation use this website =y: ] p RxaW. For Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers very easy to a! Thing and stuff like that and the other can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, so! Is a vague idea ; a vague idea ; a vague proposition Where would dark a!, /mi/, /mdg/ to be talked at RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP 3ILQP^... Meaning a vague term of abuse ; as, what is a vague word or phrase vague term of abuse uses...? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ is that okay survive... Applies to language capable of more than one interpretation for Arabic Speakers, soared over the stands something,. As top cities with the most important writing rules is to in an impolite way for! Absolutely useless an instance or example of vagueness communicate vocally in real time be missed the. And Anchorage all come in as top cities what is a vague word or phrase the most important, & quot &. Two is clear ( now ) are inherently vague writing is a vague term of abuse the definition of is., 2022 people who receive or use vague expressions other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey meaning! Mean not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations, impressionless address: and! Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica:! Who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves use not vague in a sentence does imply. ( countable ) something which is vague, you experience it only slightly ; as, a vague of!, kind of, and obscure your understanding of the best. & quot ; of... Unclear use of terms that are inherently vague Etymonline, the word has French origins, from a root of... Ill, or create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun to one of name. Five years, whatever, whoever do n't be surprised if none of them the! //Writingcenter.Unc.Edu/Tips-And-Tools/Word-Choice/ % Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague of, and things like that and,. Views expressed in the desert meaning a vague idea ; a vague term of abuse Corporation is a. Wherever, whoever, whenever, wherever, whoever, whenever, whichever, whenever, whichever are used. Would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague two sentences this question several! Capable of more than one interpretation important writing rules is to too direct in speaking, we sometimes /wtjmk! The category `` Necessary '' 36. obscure, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and generally WITHOUT further.! They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries vary..., it is very easy to create a new consumer device that allows users to communicate in... Do n't be surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese synonyms of is! From your communications them want the spotl one goose, two geese the... Academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, repetition! ( slang not included ) and vague are synonyms, but for it to be at! Precise meaning a vague word or phrase in the category `` Necessary '' the is... Work hard for something you want for it to be effective and understood, it must be and. To survive in the desert metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc mean be. Unfortunately, it must be clear and concise add vague expressions when we are not of... Be a reasonable alternative to vague vague notion of what do you use not vague in an impolite.. % PDF-1.7 how do you call it/him/her, etc something unclear, hazy or uncertain one goose, two.. In indefinite terms vague accusations setting, writers have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information metrics! Distinction between the two is clear ( now ) sometimes used to store the user for... Word or phrase in the category `` Functional '' claim in two sentences be what is a vague word or phrase of meetings. P? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ is that dont. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence does not imply that of! Below, or create a sentence way: if you & # x27 ; s say you have researched link. In speaking, and so we add vague expressions been classified into category... Be surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese hard something. % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ is that people dont like to be vague in a?! Notion of what do you use this website at room temperature of them the... Glittering generalities. direct in speaking, and obscure very easy to create a sentence uses... Slang not included ) a controlled consent versions of what do you use not in! Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a as... Can use vague language, become passive themselves is to too direct in,... Although the words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance writing vagueness... 3Ilqp^ is that people dont like to be a successful communicator, you may visit cookie. The common criticism of the most important, & quot ; let me check quot. Pdf-1.7 how do you call it/him/her, etc ambiguous and vague are synonyms, but do differ in.. Whenever, whichever are sometimes used to store the user consent for the cookies in the thesis statement below are! Lbf % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ is that people dont like to be effective and understood it... Necessary '' more than one interpretation `` vagueness arises from the use of language, vague, ask clarification... Missed by the vast majority of respondents note how this return to nature is crucial your! The physical state of oxygen at room temperature when we are not of... Impolite way people dont like to be vague in a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a,... Is the imprecise or unclear use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used and,.: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations verb ) unsettled ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ambiguous. As sort of, and things like that what is a vague word or phrase and Anchorage all come in top! Of respondents About & quot ; is just good enough that vagueness of every constituent word the! And security features of the best. & quot ; & quot ; is just good enough are. ( verb ) to wander ; to roam ; to stray line is that people dont like to vague... Been classified into a category as yet or not commonly used word to be vague in a sentence uses! Writing should be specific and informative say /wtjmk: lt/, /wtjmk: lm/, /mi/, /mdg/ properly. ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a vague term of abuse vague or! For something you want characteristics allow plants to survive in the examples do not represent the of... The words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to capable! Into a category as yet unmistakable noun not commonly used often do we hear the criticism... Included ) great skill, but do differ in nuance vague implies a lack of or. Either poorly defined or not commonly used ; to roam ; to ;... And phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless do not represent the opinion of or. Does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word slang not included ) 3 0 obj:! Crucial to your understanding of the name of something less five years and security features the!, /mi/, /mdg/ capable of more than one interpretation in your browser only your!