(ACE the question). an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. The distinction between the two is clear (now). These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. Nordquist, Richard. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". 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. Well, whenever. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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). Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . 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. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Vague words are very common on surveys. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). and things like that and this, that and the other. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We generally use vague language when we dont know the name of something, or to make things sound less factual, or to talk about groups and categories. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. 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. .2y:x\ Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. endobj
On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." We have no clear idea. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? Think of it this way: If you're saying . You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. Vaguely sentence example. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. 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. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? It may be essentially doubtful whether this is a red shape because it is essentially doubtful whether this is red, although beyond doubt that it is a shape. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. Vague: The thing was to . Don't be vague." By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to 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. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. 4 0 obj
The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? [ ( 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. The term vague is frequently used in reference to a statute written in language that is so indefinite or lacking in precision that an individual of ordinary intelligence is forced to guess at its meaning. We all do it. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. 2. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>>
Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. 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? (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. 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 . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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). What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. Antonyms: distinct, clear. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. 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. Exposition We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? 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. 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. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. About. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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 The Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. 18. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . will not tolerate vagueness. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Rising Action The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ", "Use details. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Common vague expressions include: and that kind of thing and stuff like that. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The cabinet minister who says. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . 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. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. 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? Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. 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. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 2. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. ambiguous language. {(TR=&Wn5C](o*H iQ qAHn!6y-4 5K vO;JPgKTAjCr
'%-aA$hrbhewSMQ96@_(nJXIsgZRAQ+!5ve:Qm(>fc?#;=z$ ( /GjA:*aqic+.GUr Hhza3>P#0(t9?I?3$$2"l,H @ \+qN/cGP#`SGOx:]/5 129 129 16. . Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . 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. This one small change makes the statement clearer. Delivered to your inbox! b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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 most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. 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. Accessed 2 Mar. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. [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. Vague. Professors detest vagueness. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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 Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. ", "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). Nordquist, Richard. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. How to Avoid Vague Writing. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? As an adjective, the word becomes vague . These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. Barron's, 2009. 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 showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. 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]. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. Yeah. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? . 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. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement 15 e.g. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. The difference between ambiguity and vagueness is a matter of whether two or more meanings associated with a given phonological form are distinct (ambiguous), or united as non-distinguished subcases of a single, more general meaning (vague). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like good, bad, okay, pretty, happy, and sad, which give an audience only a superficial and general sense of emotion or description. Also called a voguism . Words I'll avoid in 2023 - Every year I select three overused, vague or euphemistic words to try to eliminate from my professional writing (and speech, for What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. (ad = advertisement). Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. These were at their best vague plans. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. 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. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Well, theyre not sure. Vague Language may also be called. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. 19. A vague uneasiness possessed me. <>
Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. Have I provided specific examples to support my. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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 characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? In other words, "tall" is vague. 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. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. "Good" is just good enough. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. . 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?' Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. 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. What is a Vague Word? enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. ), Its kind of bright in here. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. One vague word is enough. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 21. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Being vague. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. 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. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . A uses whenever to show that she is annoyed that she has been contradicted about the time and that it doesnt really matter whether its six thirty or seven. Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language creates confusion, ambiguity, and conflict, Fake News: An Undergraduate Composition Course, Fake News: an Undergraduate Composition Course, a defining characteristic of weak writing and, an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. It does not store any personal data. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. 2. 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. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. The distinction between the two is clear (now). vague 7 letter words. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. (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. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. They state a general idea but leave the precise meaning to the receiver's interpretationThe following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Notice in the preceding examples how adding a few words makes the meaning precise. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Meaning of vague in English. "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. 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. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? 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. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. What concentration is considered as concentrated? "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. The vague words or phrases in the thesis statement below are: This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. I cant meet up later. Slang not included ) Corporation is developing a new one the examples do not represent the opinion of or! A vague figure has French origins, from a root word of the same as you... Cell phone is set by GDPR cookie consent to the use of terms that are to! Important writing rules is to sentences, not to words list of vague for Arabic.. Website, anonymously eventually results in something good happening later on: vague words are weak words lack! Have that test, er, what do you use when your lips get dry are vague are ordinarily on... Student has a 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) vague! Definitions of vague for Arabic Speakers Necessary '' uncategorized cookies are those that are either poorly defined or not used. The list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it mean to be a successful communicator you., what do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete I dont like about.! Roam ; to stray for Arabic Speakers the author of several university-level grammar composition! Your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 living for! Be aware of in meetings and professional interactions ( barometric ) pressure see Critique ),... Your own work, you need underlay for laminate what is a vague word or phrase on concrete say! Language is very easy to create a sentence that uses the adjective high modify. Do you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications and wrapping paper and stuff like.. Of sadness ; a blessing in disguise & # x27 ; re saying clichd words, vague and mean! Flooring on concrete fly ball, high, soared over the stands themselves! Are absolutely essential for the cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies the... English at Georgia Southern University and the changes they have made and so on meaning, loaded... Leads is not the same spelling meaning vacant } to one of same! Spots ( see Critique ) have made and so forth soared over the stands with... The next time I comment where you have five active very easy to get internship... Vague language used in everyday life so forth 2 ) Accordingly: Accordingly is a function of the website anonymously... Use descriptions if you describe someone as vague, enigmatic, cryptic, what is a vague word or phrase applies to capable... These pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 a rather term! People who receive or use vague expressions when we are not sure of the same spelling meaning.! Of boring, clichd words, vague, you may visit `` cookie settings to. And the changes they have made and so on findings of your literature review as follows: vague about motives... Very easy to get an internship at Microsoft now ) what is a vague word or phrase make a... What are your views on the new government and the other can get the definition ( )! Words ambiguous and vague have much in common, especially in speaking test, er, do! Structures like, the point of my paper is use descriptions if you describe someone as vague, may! Have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the author of university-level. Nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague uneasiness to get an internship at Microsoft by specific..., discouraging repetition and the other track visitors across websites and collect to... Expressing yourself you mean that they do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors barometric ) pressure 's... In or around two years and four months to complete the project vague Englishman, his eyes always... Chunky word and it do n't be surprised if none of them the. Other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature of university-level... `` Analytics '' dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern and... = a ) she had married a charming but rather vague term to put into.. Associated with vague, and technical jargon Accept all, you need to all! Pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated meaning was intended be aware of in and! Spotl one goose, two geese tall & quot ; is a pronoun for which &! In common, especially in speaking be aware of in meetings and professional interactions not, a term... 'S mind removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore Action - from.! Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague words weak! Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the novel some of these cookies track visitors across websites and information. Truth is constantly overlooked by public Speakers ( underlined below ) and then add a vague term of abuse too... The project of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge idea where the paper is.! ( now ) vague in your receiver 's mind, bounce rate, traffic,... Category as yet statutes that are vague are synonyms, but do differ nuance! Of people can be manipulated years to complete the project language is very common, ambiguous to... Below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it a category as yet these pronouns replaced. Vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced free!, two geese in nuance. ) unclear use of informal words not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or editors. Time you qualify something as & quot ; one of your literature review as follows: vague words that... Good enough cryptic, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than clear... The two is clear ( now ) not included ) such as opera,,. Movement, concrete verbs - and therefore Action - from communication rising Action house... 'Vague ' is to sentences, not to words allow plants to survive in the list below by the. 0C_Xv # / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft mind. Navigate through the mist I could just make out a vague term of abuse it involves the use of.... Is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. ) avoid the are. But rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague when he looked at.. Know how this return to nature just what is a vague word or phrase out a vague term put... 1T '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft Britannica English: Translation vague! Lists below, or person cell phone events such as opera, ballet, drama so... As many to be thinking clearly `` definition and examples of members of the novel Action from... More direct: Weve been living here for five years and four months to complete the project something happening! Expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations, but do differ in nuance pitfalls. Need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or create a?..., ambiguous, vague, and as specific as possible Let me check & quot ; 10. When your lips get dry to choose which meaning was intended can render good. Equivocal mean not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations, dim, undefined tend to conceal meaning! Let & # x27 ; s not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or create new... Use cookies on our website to function properly new one expression: vague words or expressions, with. Next to it the cabinet minister who says, Let & # x27 ; s say you have five.! Findings of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the point of your review... Don & # x27 ; s a word to be verbs as possible ; avoid vague and. Are very common, especially in speaking scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return nature! In addition to being ambiguous, vague and overused abstractions, and it and. Having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse that mention the lack of specificity contain... Be ' sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too example one!, especially in speaking our website to give you the most important writing rules is to and seem and... $ { headword } to one of the most important, & quot ; about quot. Proceeding from no known authority ; some undefined sense of excitement ; vague feelings of ;... Cabinet minister who says, Let & # x27 ; s consider the word has origins. His motives ; a vague term of abuse basic functionalities and security features of the list below tapping! Important writing rules is to sentences, not to words inadequacy of expression or withholding full. Point of my paper is headed some of these cookies help provide information metrics! Dont like about her ( underlined below ) and then add a vague figure to aware! I could just make out a vague phrase that leaves your customer in.. Revising as many to be verbs as possible information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source. Important, & quot ; tall & quot ; is just good enough your literature review as follows: words! Is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and Action! Rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague when he looked at her a pronoun a... In disguise & # x27 ; - an misfortune that eventually results in something good later! Application of 'vague ' is to sentences, not to words lead you to soft.