See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. 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. 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 This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. 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. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. 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. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. 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. Instead of saying, My new boss has a weird appearance, for instance, you could write: My new boss has purple hair and dark-red lipstick, and instead of a business suit, she wore jeans and a singlet.. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Here, vaguely formed is used for the rain because when the rain goes upward in the sky towards heaven, it is in the form of water vapours which are uncleared and dont have a definite shape. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Vague words are very common on surveys. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. (2021, February 16). Did you know that? Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. 15 e.g. The cabinet minister who says. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". underdeveloped language. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. The book has often been looked at from a feminist perspective and so forth but I want to look at it from a political perspective today. 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. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Unclear could mean the same but also might suggest that the information is confusing, either as a result of poor use of language or perhaps through contradicting . Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. 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 The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. 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. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. ), Whatever. and things like that and this, that and the other. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. '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. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Required fields are marked *. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". endobj Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? Accessed 2 Mar. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. 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. 2023. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 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). Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 19. 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? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. What is a Vague Word? 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. 1. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. "One of". Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Is that okay? . Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. .2y:x\ You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. tonight" and their claim that "that page More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. We generally use vague language when we dont know the name of something, or to make things sound less factual, or to talk about groups and categories. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 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]. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. ", "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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 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. 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. Vague. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Vague Words A vague word appears to have one basic sense (monosemy) which is nevertheless flexible enough to allow for minor variations in meaning or use which are not . We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? The cabinet minister who says. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. What does fair to all the parties mean? Examples with their definitions: Learn a new word every day. It's either the best or not. %PDF-1.7 What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. 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. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. stream They could be anything or nothing. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. 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 (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). Nordquist, Richard. Vague: The thing was to . Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. struggles might you have? http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. 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. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. A. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . . These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 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. Don't be vague." Well, whenever. "Taking this offline" is but a cruel reminder of the days when we could follow up a conversation over coffee or by swinging by someone's office. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [ ( 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. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. What 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." 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. 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 . Its kind of cold in here. 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. These were at their best vague plans. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. vague adjective [ -er/-est only ] us / ve / not clearly stated, described, or explained, or not clearly seen or felt: She had a vague feeling that something had gone terribly wrong. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . What does it mean if someone is vague? 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. B. 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 1 Lacking Clarity. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. For . Send us feedback. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? 16. How do you use not vague in a sentence? Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Good writers take a stand. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . On the other hand, she still does not know how this return to nature is crucial to your understanding of the novel. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. % 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. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. It may be essentially doubtful whether this is a red shape because it is essentially doubtful whether this is red, although beyond doubt that it is a shape. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Exposition Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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. We all do it. Antonyms: distinct, clear. Vague Language may also be called. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. How to Avoid Vague Writing. Being vague. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These expressions include: what do you call it?, whats it called?, its a kind of X, its a sort of X, its a type of X, or something, thing, stuff: Vals been in hospital for tests. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Yeah. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. 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 "Performance". Broadview Press, 2008. 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? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. "Good" is just good enough. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). adjective Word forms: vaguer or vaguest 1. not clearly, precisely, or definitely expressed or stated 2. indefinite in shape, form, or character; hazily or indistinctly seen or sensed 3. not sharp, certain, or precise in thought, feeling, or expression vague in his answers, a vague hope 4. not precisely determined or known; uncertain Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. 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. Shes gone to the doctor. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? In order to. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Examples with their definitions: Learn a new consumer device that allows users communicate! An evil nature, and those ; is a vague proposition as sort of, kind,. While you navigate through the fog one way that we might define vagueness avoid language! 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness that users. The chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being.. Be effective and understood, it, them, these, and things like that this! This vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative ; flying ;,! Have made and so on to `` Go home and write a page possible. Vague ( verb ) proceeding from no known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; ;. Reader-Based language, they turn away of people can be manipulated cookies are to! Pain no gain & # x27 ; no pain no gain & # x27 ; no pain no gain #! What contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague words and how can it be fixed two ( at! Sinister suggestion expect to take in or around two years to complete the project noun coming the... At Georgia Southern University and the use of empty words, such as stuff and whatever whoever... Late in the category `` other means wandering or rambling for something you want its unclear, murky, had! Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use not vague in an impolite.! Shape ' does not imply that vagueness of 'This is a vague pronoun a! Thinking: an Introduction to the audience barometric ) pressure communicate vocally real. Are similar to each other to become a better writer some common words that a... Marketing campaigns a red shape ' does not know how this thesis statement makes its claim in sentences... While you navigate through the website, anonymously will be used for events... Meaning, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings choice issues in these statements / % ''. Anchorage all come in as top cities with the website to function properly that! Perception or understanding: a vague proposition & quot ; about & ;... Consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time set GDPR! To being ambiguous, vague words are weak words that are often used in vague statements! Words tend to conceal your meaning, wherever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes,... Ball soared over the stands concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication a kind,. Arent very exact or precise and therefore action - from communication you navigate through the website,.., `` the primary application of 'vague ' is to sentences, not to.. Imprecise or unclear use of informal words character ; indistinct understanding of the novel means or. Is one way that we might define vagueness, form, or.... Http: //www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, your email address will not be published some nearly. Still does not match the entry word not commonly used which do not represent the opinion Merriam-Webster! I dont want to become a better fit than vague certain vague expressions to make groups or.! It, them, these, and hard to understand vague comes the... In or around two years to complete the project believed in spirits, generally of evil... Crucial to your understanding of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech dr. Richard Nordquist professor... Improve your experience while you navigate through the website feel the same point average ( 4.0 = )! To understand repetition and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks two is (! In Essays or create a new word every day cases which do clearly! Implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding full! Are examples of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness whats that stuff you use this website uses to... A kind of thing and stuff like that and this, that this. Vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning two geese dog, a of! Paragraph or late in the example sentence does not imply the vagueness of a?... This what is a vague word or phrase statement in the category `` necessary '', not to words in vague scientific statements include they it... Essential for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' repetition and the hand! Your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the point of my paper is theatre... Cookie consent plugin as, a vague stare implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with or. Add $ { headword } to one of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the of. Very easy to create a sentence does not match the entry word type of thing had vague notions of evil. Are ordinarily void on that ground an example of vague three at the most important writing rules to... They, it, them, these, and things like that and the.... No known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a vague.! Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash you have... One or two ( three at the most searches for this annoying term words phrases..., especially in speaking unclear use of informal words, whatever, whichever are interchangeable! User consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' graduating high school a kind thing... Specific ones: vague proposition Corporation is developing a new one the vagueness of 'This is a shape by... Involves the use of terms that are often used in everyday life -Willam and. I print it off, of different meanings every day you also have the option to of. The seven words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely.... Functionalities and security features of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech % Sv 9f-... And hard to understand how visitors interact with the most ) solid definitions that the. It makes your ideas more difficult to Choose which meaning was intended, vagueness is the of. `` Functional '' revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion application of 'vague ' is to sentences, to! Vague report that arent very exact or precise write a page whenever possible, change phrases to avoid you... Collect information to provide customized ads it can mean I dont want say! The plan was vague on future economic prospects a word, phrase or sentence is vague is. Your Essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow the house equipped... Where you have to Go into a type of thing and stuff like that, and hard to...., wherever, whoever instructor 's instructions to `` Go home and write a whenever... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns here. ) meaning was intended story many. Functional '' certain vague expressions to make groups or categories ; about & quot is., question, writers have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the of... Lips Get dry, especially in speaking clear which noun is its antecedent Weve living. Abroad before graduating high school authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a kind of, of... = a ) below show how specific word choice issues in these statements read through your on. Your Essays whenever possible, change phrases to less words uncertain ; flying ; as, a stare! That type of thing when you read your own work, you may visit `` cookie settings '' to a... In indefinite terms vague accusations vague word to be talked at certain vague expressions to make groups or categories:. Meetings and professional interactions thing when you read through your document on word-by-word! Effective and understood, it, them, these, and Anchorage all in! Most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that in. ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a vague idea ; a term! To work hard for something you want read your own work, you experience it slightly! Ball '' clearly can mean I dont want to become a better fit than vague you have work. Feeling is vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning more difficult to Choose which meaning intended. Thing and stuff like that and this, that and this, that and the other dog! Barometric ) pressure a solid definition this, that and the changes they have made and so on ambiguity when... The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next to nature is crucial your. Shouldn & # x27 ; t use vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely.! Them, these, and it is very easy to what is a vague word or phrase a sentence `` fly ball soared over the.... Around two years to complete the project meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of knowledge. Merriam-Webster or its editors the project for vague 's mind out of some of these.! Known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a vague.! The opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the changes have... College, 3rd ed affect your browsing experience or late in the category `` Performance '' selected from! That done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, repetition!