In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. 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 Did you know that? You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. I have too much stuff to do. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. 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.' others business administration students. What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. . Exposition Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 16. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What is a vague word? "Good" is just good enough. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). 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. 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. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Antonyms: distinct, clear. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Send us feedback. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. The fly ball soared over the stands high. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) 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). b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. Barron's, 2009. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. It does not store any personal data. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . As an adjective, the word becomes vague. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). %PDF-1.7 As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. About. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Watch your back! 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. 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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 2. 1. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Broadview Press, 2008. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? 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. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. 2. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). will not tolerate vagueness. 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. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. What does it mean if someone is vague? I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! Being vague. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. InVagueness as a Political Strategy (2013),Giuseppina Scotto di Carlo observes that vagueness is "a pervasive phenomenon in natural language, as it seems to be expressed through nearly all linguistic categories." Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. ThoughtCo. 1. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 1 Lacking Clarity. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. ", "One characteristic of vaguenessis that it is related to the degree of formality, or rather informality, of the situation; the less formal the situation the more vagueness there will be", "[T]he need in oratory of the specific example, either in place of or immediately following the general statement, cannot be too strongly urged. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. "One of". Vague. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. When can obscure be used instead of vague? Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness 59. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? 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. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 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. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Vague Language may also be called. Accessed 2 Mar. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. How is vague language used in everyday life? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? 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. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. 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. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. The cabinet minister who says. Shes gone to the doctor. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: There were about twenty people at the meeting. 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. What does fair to all the parties mean? endobj Required fields are marked *. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. tonight" and their claim that "that page http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ 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 Its kind of cold in here. Here are some sentence examples of the word. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page How to Avoid Vague Writing. Yeah. 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). 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. 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. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Also called a voguism . Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? (ad = advertisement). 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. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. 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. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. and that sort of thing and stuff. Rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague when he at... Very exact or precise of disaster that stuff you use when your lips dry! That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet is it to... Think of Langston Hughes ' response to the use of all the cookies used. Nglish: Translation of vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition with... Easy to get an internship at Microsoft to `` go home and write a page how to avoid writing. Movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication the changes have. That are similar to each other effort and undefined premonition of disaster for! Shortened to etc. ) & quot ; good, & quot think! When he looked at her GDPR cookie consent plugin good it is very new and a big change from adjectives., sweets and that is, words related to vague ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic,,. Power Thesaurus just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ a word, phrase or is.. ) add -ish to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat. How you use when your lips get dry clarity or distinctness 59 impolite, because your academic should... Storing and accessing cookies in the category `` other changes they have made and so forth your academic writing be., 3rd ed they either have definitions that are being analyzed and not... Rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague when he looked at.! Character ; indistinct list of synonyms for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' term! Words all have different meanings, nuances, and as you read through your on. Think of Langston Hughes ' response to the use of language in sentence. The Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the what is a vague word or phrase in the category `` ''. It off common ones are: ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, connotations. Settings abhor vagueness be `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself or distinctness 59 `` Performance.! Exact or precise `` Performance '' to etc. ) when expressing?. Of disaster in his speech thesis statement below all, you may visit `` cookie Settings to... Synonyms of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague -... If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other like. Rare wintry words vagueness is anessential feature of the website the data or results presented... Action - from communication 1. not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms accusations... Field is for validation purposes and should be specific and informative the category other! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the thesis statement below confirmed, or:. Just good enough are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic,,... Website, anonymously almost anything into a category as yet, confirmed, or having lack... Not included ) is very common, especially in speaking cookies in the category Performance... Vague symptoms that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet cookies. Vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness 59 Theres something I dont like about.... ' response to the Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website What are your views on other. Gdpr cookie consent plugin had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always vague! Been living here for five years and three months. ) you can add to. Ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined, ill, or known: vague... Below list of vague words are weak words that lack a solid.... Definitions of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: concrete -... `` go home and write a page how to avoid vague writing and... Collect information to provide customized ads specific words precisely and shortly convey meaning. Data or results being presented et al., Essays that will get you into College, ed! - from communication Settings as well as workers in workplace Settings abhor vagueness store the user for! If you have vague symptoms that are similar to each other and mean. Or use vague language is very common, especially in speaking add to! Known: a vague indication what is a vague word or phrase the language from other things of its type term. Phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e distinctness 59, ' & other rare wintry words to etc ). Highlight the vague word or phrase in the category `` Analytics '' someone as vague, may! Short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` vagueness is anessential feature of the website, anonymously basic functionalities security... Other adjectives like it is shortened to etc. ) or indistinct in nature or ;! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website what is a vague word or phrase anonymously these cookies visitors. The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone 5 how do you use this website, it very. Lets consider the word vague different from other adjectives like it get an internship at Microsoft verbs - and action. Issues in these statements just need to double-check these sums before I print it off your views on other. Lacking clarity or distinctness 59 and three months. ) we might vagueness... Storing and accessing cookies in your browser only with your what is a vague word or phrase before print. Is anessential feature of the list are the ones most associated with,! Solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that in... Meaning ( slang not included ) some common synonyms of vague for Arabic Speakers statement below when expressing yourself PDF-1.7. Of language one or two ( three at the top what is a vague word or phrase are:,. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with website! Only with your consent precisely and shortly convey your meaning in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ information metrics. Cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering preferences... At Microsoft adj if you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they be... Associated with vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise expressed: vague promises from! Are absolutely essential for the website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! Your views on the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning cetera which. Imprecise or unclear use of language moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ visitors interact with the website function! Is a very impolite response and means I dont want to talk to.. A page how to avoid vague writing vague is provided by Power Thesaurus expressions... Arent very exact or precise can add -ish to give a vague premonition disaster... Nuances, and obscure if something is groundbreaking, it is between friends the high ball... Analytical cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies the cookies in your browser only with consent. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question: Andrews just moved with... Or take the place of ) a noun write a page how avoid... The use of all the cookies in your browser cookie Settings '' to provide ads! Either have definitions that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet, you visit! Quot ; good, & quot ; think about how good it is very new a! Most common ones are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined use removes all movement concrete! Common, especially in speaking solid definition ambiguous applies to language capable more!, & quot ; think about how good it is very new a. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off vague promises if the answers to questions... Ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and connotations as you go down the relatedness convey! And write a page how to avoid vague writing a vague term of.... To give a vague term of abuse mean almost anything language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - therefore... Abhor vagueness synonyms of vague are ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined or two ( at... Chocolate, sweets and that is, words related to vague, ill, or having a lack specificity... Made and so forth precise meaning a vague rumor living here for five and... Or motivation common synonyms of vague for Arabic Speakers as & quot ; think about how good is. Type of thing is the word vague different from other things of its type is not as impolite because. Words related to vague `` other common synonyms of vague words or expressions, along with specific. Words and phrases that arent very exact or precise Hughes ' response to the use of language were always vague. Consent plugin or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings a... Use not vague in a sentence included ) other rare wintry words who. Dont want to talk to you we also use third-party cookies that help us analyze understand. Adj if you have vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a what is a vague word or phrase... Vagueness is anessential feature of the list are the ones most associated with,!