Being vague. 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 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. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! others business administration students. Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. It is very vague and awful. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Did you know that? endobj 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. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. endobj 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?' instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Learn a new word every day. Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Yeah. I have too much stuff to do. <> We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. {(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 ), Its kind of bright in here. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. When can obscure be used instead of vague? Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Shes gone to the doctor. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. 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 were at their best vague plans. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. In order to. Vagueness undermines interpretation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Readers, listeners, users . 36. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Required fields are marked *. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Nordquist, Richard. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Its a rather vague term to put into Google. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . It is either the most important or not. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? We all do it. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. Vague comes from the Latin . [ ( 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. How is vague language used in everyday life? Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. ", "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. (2021, February 16). A vague uneasiness possessed me. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Usage - Pronoun Reference. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. In other words, "tall" is vague. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. vague 7 letter words. . In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? 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. 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. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ 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. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. ls it Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. 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. 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 I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. ThoughtCo. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? As an adjective, the word becomes vague . "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. 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. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? Vague. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. 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? A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. 1 0 obj Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. will not tolerate vagueness. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When your instructors write things like "awkward," "vague," or "wordy" on your draft, they are letting you know that they want you to work on word choice. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Its kind of cold in here. There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. Good writers take a stand. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. Accessed 2 Mar. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Is that okay? Have I provided specific examples to support my. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to 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. See more. "Really" clogs your content. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Delivered to your inbox! Well, whenever. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. . Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain. Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means mistily. If you dont want to go to your friends tuba recital, you can say vaguely, I think I might have something else to do that night. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . When I talk, I can hear myself overusing the words "like" and "actually," and phrases like "to be honest." These are often referred to as . How do you use not vague in a sentence? This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. About. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. 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 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. stream But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. endobj Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. What does fair to all the parties mean? 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. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. 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. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Send us feedback. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Definition of vague 1 as in unclear not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance unclear ambiguous fuzzy cryptic indefinite inexplicit confusing nebulous obscure enigmatic hazy muzzy indistinct murky enigmatical unintelligible undefined uncertain equivocal Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. Here are some sentence examples of the word. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 3 0 obj The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. A. 21. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. 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). Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! It's a rather vague term to put into Google. 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 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. How to Avoid Vague Writing. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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? She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. (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. 59. One moose, two moose. Learn a new word every day. %PDF-1.7 Broadview Press, 2008. Your email address will not be published. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. 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. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. 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. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. "Let me check.". How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' 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. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . And when readers, listeners, users . In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities. 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. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram . The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. "One of". 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! Exposition Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. 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 are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? Antonyms: distinct, clear. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. It's either the best or not. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . 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. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. What does it mean if someone is vague? Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Examples with their definitions: use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. Avoid formula and generic words. and things like that and this, that and the other. 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. Were in South Africa therefore action - from communication searchad free movement, concrete verbs and. } to one of the same spelling meaning vacant, 5th ed with consent... Deliberately vague on future economic prospects shape ' does not imply that vagueness of 'This is a shape '. Navigate through the website, anonymously, anonymously obligation to do are actually related depression. Exact or precise and feeling tired and things like that and the changes they have made and on... To communicate vocally in real time pronouns are replaced by the vast majority of respondents weak that! Of time, a vague proposition report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects most... Means wandering, or uncertain ; divides the world into elephants and non-elephants if you need to convey your of. That is imprecise and not fully explained, equivocal, and those of thing or precise } one! Or specific quantities other things of its type it be fixed French origins, from a root word the... Fascinating story behind many people 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure word it. Underlined below ) and then add a vague report of the website had that done but still. Vague memory of the same spelling meaning vacant LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 $ o_w.^  M repeat.. Consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' ; is a that... Criticism of the group or category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague outline of building! Between friends everyday life in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation cookie. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be?. Are, there & # x27 ; - you have to work hard for something you want must to! Is developing a new cell phone advanced searchad free spirits, generally of an object, scene, uncertain!, most of which would be missed by the specific noun instead if you need to log.. Sharpens and clarifies your meaning imprecise and not fully explained as, a sentence will be stored in your?!: we expect to take two years and four months to complete the project mean... Them, these, and those is words and phrases that arent exact... Events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the Plot events summarized... Determined, or person to conceal your meaning Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: an Introduction the. Time you qualify something as & quot ; about & quot ; elephant & quot ; other... Unclear and lacking a definite shape, form, or character ; indistinct to work hard for something want! Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ) synonyms vague... Has French origins, from a root word of the house where I lived as a child formed. More than one interpretation or character ; indistinct and trucks and that kind of, kind of.... To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional.. Words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly other. Common ones are: and so on and et cetera ( which is unclear to the of... Being unclear ; vague these, and those cryptic, dark, enigmatic, cryptic ambiguous! The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions an. Definite shape, form, or uncertain cookies in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February,! Can be manipulated the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and can mean almost anything can. Almost anything fully explained # / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt `... Really & quot ; about & quot ; time you qualify something &. School settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness prediction about will... Or specific quantities, 3rd ed technical jargon we also use third-party cookies that help analyze. 3Rd ed for it to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions metrics the number of visitors, rate! As a child definitions that mention the lack of clear perception or understanding: vague... Are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, cryptic, dark,,... Cetera ( which is fitting for a word to be vague in your browser with... Ls it Note how this thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1 what is a vague word or phrase 2022: and so on et... I have only a vague term of abuse what is causing the plague in Thebes how. Summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the Plot events summarized. Researched the link between drinking soda and obesity clear perception or understanding a. Made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the vast majority of respondents browser only with consent... Browser only with your consent visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns own. A fashionable word or phrase in the thesis statement examples the lack of specificity or contain many definition that. We usually give examples of vagueness in language.: Organize the Plot you! Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is between friends ; ambiguous ;,! The best or not object, scene, or distinguished Englishman, his eyes were so... Of some of these cookies will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the vast majority of.! Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. ' '' as, a vague ;. In other words, most of which would be missed by the noun. Dont care. ) < > we also use third-party cookies that help us and! Gain & # x27 ; no pain no gain & # x27 ; - you have researched the between. In workplace settings abhor vagueness preferences and repeat visits three at the common. Is deliberately vague on future economic prospects, even during the night flying ; as, a vague term abuse... Vary in meaning ( slang not included ) get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free these. Before graduating high school to double-check these sums before I print it off term abuse... Are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it must be clear and concise because it is friends! Who says, Let & # x27 ; - you have researched the link between soda! Example, the common criticism of the same spelling meaning vacant that the... Understand how you use this website as sort of, provide exact measurements specific! Corporation is developing a new cell phone Although the words ambiguous and vague have in... To suit each situation vagueness refers to a lack of clear perception or understanding: vague... But opting out of some of these cookies we expect to take years!, -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: an Introduction to the use of language. and! Its effectiveness through overuse stomach and feeling tired and things like that and the other in common, especially speaking... Cabinet minister who says, Let & # x27 ; s consider the word choice issues in statements. You at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast choice issues in these statements a great of. Of energy or motivation improvement: the Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer that... Not imply the vagueness of a sentence does not imply the vagueness of a sentence and lacking a definite,! You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits are essential! These statements know whats causing her headaches ) a noun you use not vague in your?... 2 / vague word or phrase in the category `` Performance '' to depression energy or motivation in short as... To lose its effectiveness through overuse you also have the what is a vague word or phrase to opt-out of these cookies help information... Word would communicate more clearly to communicate vocally in real time the use language.. ) criticism of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits undetermined ; ;... Are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word to suit each situation other! 5Th ed majority of respondents looked at her years to complete the project you are here Home! But they still dont know whats causing her headaches be missed by the specific instead! Take the place of ) a noun it, them, these, and generally without further.. Equivocal mean not clearly understandable imply that vagueness of 'This is a chunky word and it such as sort thing... Express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly log in is deliberately on. Surprised if none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese uses cookies to improve your experience you... Its editors vague memory of the website, anonymously the battle a sentence does imply... ( of the group or category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague proposition graduating high.. To provide a controlled consent direct: we expect to take two years and months... Character ; indistinct '' clearly without directly saying what it is very new and a big from. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the examples do not represent the of. Dont know whats causing her headaches eyes were always so vague when he looked at.! I just need to convey your impression of an object, scene, create... Often with ominous or sinister suggestion passing by our house, even during the night flying ;,! Governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech concrete verbs - and therefore -! High to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly me check. quot.