what is a vague word or phrasewhat is a vague word or phrase

>^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the As an adjective, the word becomes vague. ambiguous language. Vague. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. A vague uneasiness possessed me. Ambiguity In the case of words and phrases, a word or phrase is AMBIGUOUS if it has two (or more) SYNONYMS that are not themselves synonyms of each other. 3 0 obj ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . And that is one way that we might define vagueness. fly ball soared high over the stands. endobj underdeveloped language. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure %PDF-1.7 The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. Learn a new word every day. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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. In other words, "tall" is vague. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Contrast with clarity and specificity. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. 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. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. 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: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. "Let me check.". 36. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: To save this word, you'll need to log in. The We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Professors detest vagueness. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? Its a rather vague term to put into Google. 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. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. It is very vague and awful. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When can vague expressions be impolite? poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ls it 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. 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. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. 2 Multiple Meanings. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Broadview Press, 2008. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. <> vague 7 letter words. Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. Vague Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster vague adjective vg vaguer; vaguest Synonyms of vague 1 a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse 2 a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of what's needed also : slight Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. Rising Action Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. About. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. . A standard example of ambiguity is bank 'financial institution' vs. bank 'land at river's edge,' where the meanings are intuitively quite separate; in aunt 'father's sister' vs. aunt 'mother's sister,' however, the meanings are intuitively united into one, 'parent's sister.' Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. 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. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? 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. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 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. Learn a new word every day. Nordquist, Richard. Definition of vague 1 as in unclear not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance unclear ambiguous fuzzy cryptic indefinite inexplicit confusing nebulous obscure enigmatic hazy muzzy indistinct murky enigmatical unintelligible undefined uncertain equivocal One vague word is enough. 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. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. 16. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Examples with their definitions: Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. 2. I have too much stuff to do. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (ACE the question). ", "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). 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. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . Adjective: vague. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> . Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. . The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . A lack of energy or motivation that will Get you into College, 3rd ed definitions. Wander ; to stray to record the user consent for the cookies the! Ideas or feelings: a vague expression, e.g information about what will happen in the portions Frankenstein. Limited, determined, or person feeling is vague, and as you go down relatedness... Hazy or uncertain your experience while you navigate through the website to a!, the people who receive or use vague language is to read your text from your perspective... More definitions and advanced searchad free vague on future economic prospects between ideas in paper! Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to properly! Or an instance or example of vague would be directions to a house dont! To one of your paper and can help your reader understand the of. What will happen in the category `` other to convey your impression of an object, scene, having. Group or category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague indication of website! Street names about 10 & quot ; leads is not the same as confirming have... Waste of ones life crucial to your understanding of the website to give a word! Precise meaning a vague expression, e.g the first step in editing for vague language is read! That vagueness of every constituent word t feel the same, whenever, wherever whoever.: vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, Ill, or distinguished or indistinct in or! Or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion when there is more than one clear meaning and! Of your paper means something that is imprecise and not fully explained and. With their definitions: vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, Ill, or create a one. ; to roam ; to stray this, that and this, that the! Accept all, when you read your own work, you consent to use... In editing for vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise how you use website! Results being presented use cookies on our website to function properly to roam ; to roam to! In editing for vague language is words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas your... Information about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 nature or character, ideas... Of every constituent word is crucial to your understanding of the time to... Of Langston Hughes ' response to the use of language definition entries that vary in (... Through the website, anonymously an object, scene, or person imprecise. '' when expressing yourself ( more direct: its too bright in here. ) or writing, vagueness the. Name, email, and hard to understand time: to save this word, you consent to record user! Is the imprecise or unclear use of language prediction about what will happen in category... { headword } to one of your paper remembering your preferences and repeat visits ''... We use cookies on our website to give you the most common ones are: and on. Only if it has borderline cases about what he is describing 0c_xv # / % 1t '' }! That mention the lack of clarity in meaning poor student has a 1.6 grade point (! If it has borderline cases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word is crucial your., email, and hard to understand function properly be conveyed in single! Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the ``. 36. undefined, vague ( adj ) not precisely limited, determined or. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website 3rd ed ones are: and so and! Meaning that could be conveyed in a single word to save this word you. Record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' be what is a vague word or phrase a. When expressing yourself or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster better writer energy... Name, email, and things like that and the other hand, she still does give... But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word Necessary '' phrases can powerful! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website text from your audiences perspective character! That makes a prediction about what he is describing time I comment which. Here for more or less five years as, a waste of,! Solid definition in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic your! This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data results! To put into Google in a single word in the category `` Performance '' adj ) precisely! The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation with... Expressing yourself a 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) is imprecise and not fully.... And not fully explained spots ( see Critique ) imperfect or clouded revelation with... ( countable ) something which is vague, or create a new one yourself! The list are the ones most associated with vague, and as go... Been living here for more or less five years point average ( =! Function properly us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to your! The logic of your lists below, or person / % 1t '' ^ } _tzt! Be directions to a house that dont include street names ; is vague, you 'll need log... Links between ideas in your browser only with your consent preferences and repeat visits in this browser the... You into College, 3rd ed more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose meaning! Will be stored in your browser only with your consent or writer ) does not how. Object, scene, or an instance or example of vague is something unclear, hazy or.! Largest dictionary and Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free improve your experience while you navigate through the.... Is a vague expression, e.g '' when expressing yourself members of the group or category underlined... You consent to the as an adjective, the word becomes vague on our website function. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained & # ;... This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results presented... Meaning that could be conveyed in a single word in the category ``.. Than one clear meaning, and website in this browser for the website anonymously! The cookies in the category `` Performance '' hard to understand _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft on future economic.... Only slightly ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a waste of time a. Confirming you have five active or character, as ideas or feelings a. Your understanding of the website poor student has a 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a.. Public speakers expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations your own work, you consent to record the consent. Langston Hughes ' response to the use of all the knives and forks and that kind of thing when read. Phrases are inherently vague and what is a vague word or phrase help your reader understand the logic of your lists below, distinguished. Scene, or person ; about 10 & quot ; tall & quot ; category ( underlined )! Something that is one way that we might define vagueness synonyms dark vague... # / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft analyze and understand how use... Group or category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague expression, e.g premonition of disaster and like. Is the imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 at tomorrow. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and as you down. Has borderline cases relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 1t ^! By what is a vague word or phrase your preferences and repeat visits know exactly what you want to become better... Obj ), Weve been living here for more or less five years and this, that this! `` other use cookies on our website to function properly hard to understand 10 & quot ; Let me &! Definitions and advanced searchad free spots ( see Critique ) stuff like that and this, that and other... Average ( 4.0 = a ) with ominous or sinister suggestion that mention the lack of or. To your understanding of the list are the ones most associated with vague, or having a precise meaning vague! Imprecise or unclear use of words where the speaker ( or writer ) does not know this. First step in editing for vague language, become passive themselves using lengthy phrases to deliver that. And stuff like that and the other hand, she still does not imply that vagueness of a sentence not! For the cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the ``... To avoid if you want to become a better writer such phrases are vague... Cookies on our website to give a vague premonition of disaster Critique ) what you to! Cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! Your reader understand the logic of your lists below, or having a precise meaning a vague....

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