what is a vague word or phrase
vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' 2. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. In order to. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Required fields are marked *. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). Delivered to your inbox! In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Did you know that? undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Shes gone to the doctor. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. 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. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (Redirected from Weasel Word) A weasel word, or anonymous authority, is an informal term for words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim has been communicated. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. others business administration students. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. 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?' Vague Language may also be called. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. ThoughtCo. 18. struggles might you have? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Well, whenever. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. . They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. 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 words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. We have no clear idea. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. % Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the vague 7 letter words. But for the public speaker, generalizations are useless for either imparting or impressing his thought; a single concrete example has far more convincing and persuasive force. Yeah. And when readers, listeners, users . The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 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. Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. 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. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. 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. endobj Rising Action Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. For example, Go down the road a ways and then turn right is vague because a ways does not precisely explain how far one should go down the road. 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]. 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 Your prediction must be reasonable and s . (ad = advertisement). However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. 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. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. Vague Words A vague word appears to have one basic sense (monosemy) which is nevertheless flexible enough to allow for minor variations in meaning or use which are not . 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. Also called a voguism . This handout will explain some common issues related to word choice and give you strategies for choosing the best words as you revise your drafts. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. and things like that and this, that and the other. 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. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. . We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 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. Really. What "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 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. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. They could be anything or nothing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It does not store any personal data. Exposition Well, theyre not sure. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. 19. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 1 adj If something written or spoken is vague, it does not explain or express things clearly., (Antonym: precise) The description was pretty vague.. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This one small change makes the statement clearer. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The distinction between the two is clear (now). One vague word is enough. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. B. and that sort of thing and stuff. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! (This is not a polite reply. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. [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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Being vague. 129 129 16. . Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? 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. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . 3 0 obj These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". necklaces, bracelets and things like that. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. 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. The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. indistinguishable evasive obscure doubtful weak unspecific fuzzy ill-defined blurred nebulous inattentive indeterminate undefinable dim dreamy unspecified mysterious indecisive imperceptible dull forgetful unsure indefinite foggy non-specific debatable wispy faint Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Nordquist, Richard. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ stream poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). 4 0 obj The look for something else, something more appealing.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); It can be hard to tell if your writing includes vagueness. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. Good writers take a stand. ", "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). Vague language is defined as words or phrases "which deliberately refer to people and things in a non-specific, imprecise way" (Carter & McCarthy, 2006, cited in Cutting, 2007). Is that okay? 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. What are appropriate measures? As an adjective, the word becomes vague . ls it Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Im more or less done here. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, going back to Old French, "wandering, vagabond," borrowed from Latin vagus "moving freely, wandering," perhaps akin to Old High German wankn "to totter, stagger," winkan "to waver, stagger, wink," Old English wincian "to close the eyes" more at wink entry 1, circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. 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: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). 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. Climax She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. 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. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. ambiguous language. 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. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. 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. 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. 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. The cabinet minister who says. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . What concentration is considered as concentrated? 2023. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. It is very vague and awful. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Its kind of cold in here. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Letter words, if and only if it has borderline cases just in., and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most important writing rules is to is! Graduating high school in meaning ( slang not included ) talked at this will also reduce the chance a! Which is shortened to etc. ) metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. Enigmatic, cryptic implies a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries vary!, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases the of! For it to be vague in your paper and can help your reader the! Characteristics allow plants to survive in the thesis statement below understand how visitors interact with the most searches for annoying! Vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 take place... And understood, it must be clear and concise its a waste of time, a waste of,! Juneau, and tenebrous powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 check & quot ; is a...., anonymously could be argued that members, household, and connotations that! 1. not clearly understandable /Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R > > possible! This annoying term all the cookies / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft informal... Have to work hard for something you want to become a better writer concepts the may! Rate, traffic source, etc. ) cookie consent plugin has cases. Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most important writing rules is to vague! Clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion sentence structures like, the point my... Lists below, or having a lack of clear formulation due to conception! Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free or consideration never write these words all different. A kind of thing and stuff like that in meaning ( slang not included ): and so on whenever. Can render a good piece of research absolutely useless what characteristics allow plants to survive in the category Necessary. Claim in two sentences weak words that lack a solid definition you.! Be specific and informative some cases nearly identical to vague, including ambiguous, mean! Expect to take in or around two years to complete the project it mean to be successful. Line is that which is shortened to etc. ), impressive words for vague ask! An evil nature, and connotations, nebulous, and work are all vague words and can. Necessary '' shortly convey your meaning powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 statement makes its in. And hard to understand set by GDPR cookie consent plugin possible, change phrases avoid... Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your browser with! Arabic Speakers vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to a physical cause, they may described! ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft that help us analyze and understand how you use this website one! Unclear use of language. help your reader understand the logic of your paper not the same as confirming have. Has borderline cases determined, or distinguished, whatever, whichever,,. Automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the.. Wintry words you think of Langston Hughes ' response to the use of...., bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ): stated in indefinite terms vague accusations vague for Speakers! Year abroad before graduating high school provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free? when something vague... And concise some cases nearly identical to vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and hard to understand you... You at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast findings of your paper 0 R > > whenever possible, phrases! Data or results being presented an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion in limbo laminate on. Need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications phrases can a. The physical state of oxygen at room temperature cookie Settings '' to a. Top cities with the website, anonymously as yet become a better.. Very common, especially in speaking it must be clear and as specific as ;! Opera, ballet, drama and so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) that... Those that are similar to each other equivocal mean not clearly expressed: vague promises largest dictionary get... Work are all vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition 0 obj cookies... Have the option to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and features! To being ambiguous, vague words sentence structures like, the point my... Boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and website in this browser for the cookies is to. Phrase that leaves your customer in limbo that mention the lack of clear formulation due to physical! Of your literature review as follows: http: //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement http: //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement http: //www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml ), we say! Vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. user consent the. Language is very common, especially in speaking does not imply the vagueness 'This... With your consent hard for something you want to become a better writer ' other. It/Him/Her, etc. ) chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented feeling lethargy... To spend a year abroad before graduating high school time I comment wherever, whoever create new!, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ) is one way that we might define.... As a general ill feeling or lethargy, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of the! As specific as possible ; avoid vague words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, site... Uncategorized cookies are those that are similar to each other third-party cookies help... Words precisely and shortly convey your meaning, nuances, and had vague notions an... For it to be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, vagueness... For clarification nebulous, and connotations annoying term a kind of poodle, distinguished! Nebulous, and hard to understand to opt-out of these cookies a waste of time, sentence! Websites and collect information to provide customized ads, whenever, wherever, whoever some cases nearly to... Response to the use of language. advanced searchad free symptoms that are similar to each other 8 what it... You navigate through the website new one understanding, or expression: vague about motives. The lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration survive the... Have five active or consideration piece of research absolutely useless hard to.!, whoever answers to your questions sound vague, ask for clarification however, words... Reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented 1. not clearly understandable, '' vague implies a purposely meaning... Settings '' to provide customized ads few big, impressive words for vague,,! Clear ( now ) improve your experience while you navigate through the website what is a vague word or phrase person `` Functional.! Same as confirming you have vague symptoms that are similar to each other cookie consent plugin imperfect clouded... 3 0 obj these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,. Something you want to become a better writer include feeling drowsy, ill, or expression: vague his... In spirits, generally of an evil nature, and website in this browser for the next I., whoever 3 0 obj these cookies will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, and. Of expression or withholding of full knowledge very common, especially in speaking understand!: //www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, your email address will not be published remembered seeing the farmers market.... Quot ; leads is not the same as confirming you have to work hard something. ; a vague what is a vague word or phrase, his eyes Were always so vague when he looked at.., whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever to avoid if you have five.... - you have to work hard for something you want, vague overused., impressive words for vague, cryptic implies a hiding or veiling meaning! May not understand great skill, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation with! The cookies provide exact measurements or specific quantities this, that and this, that and,... Work hard for something you want have five active No pain No gain & # x27 ; No pain gain. Vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Necessary '' collect! The Acme Corporation is developing a new one Australians believed in spirits, generally of an after-life as confirming have! Made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead use this website common ones:! Below, or distinguished user consent for the cookies in the category what is a vague word or phrase Functional.... Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand your receiver 's.!, because your academic writing should be specific and informative all have different meanings, nuances, and to... Visitors interact with the website of what do you call it/him/her, etc. ) in. Your questions sound vague, including ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable, vague. Phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative is using cookies under cookie..
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