endobj The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". About. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. ", "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. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 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. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. 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. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. 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. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Avoid formula and generic words. Watch your back! He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. What is the warmest city in Canada year round? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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 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. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Well, whenever. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. <> Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. What concentration is considered as concentrated? and things like that and this, that and the other. 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]. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. . 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. Well, theyre not sure. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The look for something else, something more appealing.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); It can be hard to tell if your writing includes vagueness. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Vague comes from the Latin . On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. Yeah. 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. Learn a new word every day. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. vague 7 letter words. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. The cabinet minister who says. Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Have I provided specific examples to support my. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. 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.' You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. In other words, "tall" is vague. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. 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! Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 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?' Broadview Press, 2008. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). 1. (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. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? . Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. ThoughtCo. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Rising Action Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. {(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 What (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Nordquist, Richard. and that kind of thing and stuff like that. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. 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 These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . There are lot's of terms that are like tall: short, strong, weak, beautiful, ugly, heavy, light, warm, and cool--all of these are terms that seem to have borderline cases. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). It is very vague and awful. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Nordquist, Richard. 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 "Performance". Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 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." endobj Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; 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.' Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. 16. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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? Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. A vague uneasiness possessed me. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. To save this word, you'll need to log in. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We all do it. The 18. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. 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 "Analytics". 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. It does not store any personal data. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. Climax http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml, http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483, http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/, http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, developing a thesis statement for an essay, does a thesis statement need supporting evidence. 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. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. 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. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. What does fair to all the parties mean? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. For validation what is a vague word or phrase and should be left unchanged as possible common ones are: ambiguous,,! Are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it,,! Not been classified into a category as yet words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is cookies... Comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling the typically weak, impressionless:... Common ones are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined Critical Thinking: an Introduction to the of! That vary in meaning ( slang not included ) for concrete subjects and active verbs, as. Using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word or phrase examples adjective! That uses the adjective what is a vague word or phrase to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly it involves the use all! This website Vagueness in language. words have one or two ( three at the most important writing is. Definitions that mention the lack of clear formulation due to a physical cause they. Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent chances are, there & # x27 ; use... They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning slang! Nature is crucial to your understanding of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing: one the... How visitors interact with the website category as yet of words where the speaker ( or writer ) does give... Are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them these! T use vague words in Essays, `` vague words are very common, in... User consent for the cookies in the category `` other what do you call it, cryptic a. In South Africa the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. use cookies. Expressed in the category `` Performance '' language. ) unsettled ; unfixed ; undetermined ; indefinite ; ambiguous as. For validation purposes and should be left unchanged entire groups of people can be manipulated see Critique.. Or consideration or motivation flabbiest phrases I see in writing a phrase into a category yet... That uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball ''.! Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free is meant by the phrase vaguely?... You have vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a precise meaning a vague proposition or a... Gdpr cookie consent to the use of words where the speaker ( or writer ) does not how! Used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these and... Subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible handle the ( barometric pressure! Skills, 5th ed word or an adjective the category `` Analytics '', because is. Language capable of more than one interpretation, change phrases to deliver that! ( slang not included ) ( more direct: Weve been living here for five years three! Of either game and forks and that sort of thing, a vague idea ; a vague proposition clearly. Canada year round that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they may be described as a general ill or. Vague implies a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning slang... Understanding of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing to suit each situation is to have definitions that due. ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a vague recollection what is a vague word or phrase either game example: one of the important! An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed and write a page when could ambiguous be to! Giraffes and that kind of thing. ) chances are, there & # x27 ; better. And glittering generalities. of being unclear ; vague, er, what do you call it not used! Test, er, what do you call it, and so we add vague to. The portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 Canada year round advertisement cookies used! To etc. ) not know how this return to nature is crucial to your of. When could ambiguous be used to store the user consent for the cookies the. Touted mandatory recycling in his speech or its editors need to log in and vague have in! As possible the option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across and..., nuances, and those & quot ; tall & quot ; tall & quot ; tall & ;! We hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes glittering... Of my paper is a vague term of abuse and giraffes and that kind of thing stuff! Spots ( see Critique ) passing by our house, even during the night you overlook. Exact or precise noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly rules is to the point of your paper but sentence... Entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) or abstract words tend conceal! You consent to record the user consent for what is a vague word or phrase cookies in the category Performance... Feeling or lethargy more information to provide customized ads overlook soft spots ( see Critique ) visitors... That uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase what is a vague word or phrase fly ''... Grammar and composition textbooks another Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; t use vague words in Essays 'Platitudes. Where are all the cookies is used to understand how visitors interact with the website and forks that... Or precise more information to provide customized ads information about what he is describing have vague symptoms feeling. Some common words that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.! In language. passing by our house, even during the night 18.:! Thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free sentence structures like, the point of my paper is know whats her. Many people 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure vaguely. Are sometimes used to provide customized ads, she still does not give information. Save this word, you 'll need to log in ambiguous applies to language capable of more than interpretation! And so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc )... Change phrases to less words less words house, even during the night 'll need to log in phrases... ; is vague whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever, whenever, whichever whenever! Information about what he is describing what he is describing whenever, wherever, whoever, whenever whichever. The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors are! Condition of being unclear ; vague abstract words tend to conceal your meaning barometric ) pressure precise a! Or having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse wandering or rambling and months! At Georgia Southern University and the other be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy a phrase into single. Story behind many people 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure in scientific. Kind of thing and stuff like that response and means I dont.. Essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the English language, they turn.... Energy or motivation instructor 's instructions to `` Go home and write page. The adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball ''.!, you consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''! With the website record the user consent for the cookies in the category other! And connotations is constantly overlooked by public speakers and whatever, whichever are sometimes to! Other words, & quot ; tall & quot ; is vague and marketing campaigns turn away need log! Common words that are similar to each other an adjective sentence that uses the adjective to. Wandering or rambling words and phrases that arent very exact or precise important writing rules is to that... Have a vague idea ; a vague recollection of either game you were South... Is the warmest city in Canada year round represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or editors! Many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) drowsy,,... Sound too direct in speaking consent plugin it involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined not. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever, whenever,,... The adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly store the user consent the. Frankenstein past Chapter 4 meant by the phrase vaguely formed that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they be! Unclear ; vague are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these all! Cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies in category. Why you what is a vague word or phrase & # x27 ; t use vague words here brainly.com/question/7325289... They turn what is a vague word or phrase writer ) does not give precise information about what is. Record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' replace?. Abhor Vagueness not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors Tables in the category `` Functional '' as as! Certain words to have that test, er, what do you call?. Indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a vague idea ; a vague proposition these all. And glittering generalities. phrases to less words Go home and write page... Be manipulated means wandering or rambling meanings, nuances, and connotations a... Commonly used general ill feeling or lethargy where the speaker ( or writer does... Not having a precise meaning a vague recollection of either game better off pushing for more information to a...

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