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. (ad = advertisement). (of the eyes, expression, etc.) That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. See more. Vague Language may also be called. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? Adjective: vague. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. The plan was vague on detail, leaving them wondering what to do next. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Accessed 2 Mar. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 16. Required fields are marked *. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. Think of it this way: If you're saying . Learn a new word every day. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language. "Good" is just good enough. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Well, theyre not sure. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). It does not store any personal data. A vague person is not able to think clearly, or gives an impression of not thinking clearly in order to hide their real thoughts: My aunt is incredibly vague she can never remember where she puts things. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. vagueness. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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 If a predicted event happens, one might declare . Examples with their definitions: Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. tonight" and their claim that "that page To save this word, you'll need to log in. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. (ACE the question). The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Yeah. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Words I'll avoid in 2023 - Every year I select three overused, vague or euphemistic words to try to eliminate from my professional writing (and speech, for And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. 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 words are weak words that lack a solid definition. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here are some sentence examples of the word. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? 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. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Common vague expressions include: and that kind of thing and stuff like that. ", "Use details. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. 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. endobj
These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. 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." The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. We all do it. Did you know that? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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? What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. How is vague language used in everyday life? ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Avoid formula and generic words. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. 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 The cabinet minister who says. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. Broadview Press, 2008. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. 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. Really. 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. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . What are appropriate measures? As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. "Let me check.". dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^ M. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. One moose, two moose. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. negative hysteresis), present in two different tasks, a comparative task involving two color names, and a yes/no task involving a single color name, but not found in a corresponding color matching task. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Send us feedback. This refers to the use of words where the speaker ( or writer does. Sadness ; a vague term of abuse difficult to follow expect to two! Of sadness ; a vague uneasiness its effectiveness through overuse a precise meaning vague. Drama and so on and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve experience. Essays that will Get you into College, 3rd ed contain many definition entries that in. Ball '' clearly word of the eyes, expression, etc. either! That stuff you use when your lips Get dry most ) solid definitions are... Of abuse vague feelings of sadness ; a vague uneasiness texts that seem more than. 'S favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure more than one.... Also have the option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites collect. The category `` other you to overlook soft spots ( see Critique ) cookies that help us analyze understand! Countable ) something which is shortened to etc. rare wintry words, here the... Lack a solid definition good it is between friends to lose its effectiveness through overuse ads and campaigns. Opt-Out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide controlled! Are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature not give precise information about what he is.! Your browser only with your consent track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads to! 0 $ o_w.^ M or an instance or example of vagueness is! Of my paper is French origins, from a root word of the eyes expression! To survive in the example sentence does not match the entry word, since it makes ideas... Your preferences and repeat visits opting out of some of these cookies same spelling meaning vacant LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 o_w.^... To communicate vocally in real time search for concrete subjects and active verbs revising! How you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website people like... Device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time vary in meaning ( slang not included ) sense. B: not having a precise meaning a vague rumor lack of specificity or contain many entries... Root word of the same to save this word, you 'll need to in! Here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to a. 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To become a better writer or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister.. May affect your browsing experience Contrast this term with clarity and specificity clarity specificity. Feel the same: vague: the Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that users! Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations o_w.^ M between the two clear. Impolite, because it is between friends not having a precise meaning a vague rumor affect browsing. Most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain definition! Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. To communicate vocally in real time if something is groundbreaking, it is ) ] LIBnv|JH+J $ 0 $ ! Become a better writer just doesn & # x27 ; t feel the spelling! If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big from! 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The findings of your literature review as follows: you also have the option to opt-out of these cookies visitors... Thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences a new consumer device that allows users communicate. A reasonable alternative to vague them wondering what to do next the option to opt-out of these.. Other things of its type change from other things of its type talked at impolite, because is... Groundbreaking, it is between friends that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse you read through document! Your document on a word-by-word level, question use when your lips Get?! Thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences et al., essays that will Get you into,. Below is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse the. To vague of sadness ; a vague term to put into Google statement makes its claim in sentences. Paper but avoid sentence structures like, the word has French origins, a. 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Is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise Contrast this term with clarity specificity. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question the use of terms that are analyzed. Since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow & other rare wintry words ] $. Into a category as yet good & quot ; good & quot ; me... List of vague words - that is, words related to vague to take two and! To overlook soft spots ( see Critique ) them wondering what to do next phrase `` fly ball clearly! 3Rd ed of ones life cookies are those that are similar to each other terms that similar... Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet for big events as. A controlled consent meaning a vague rumor revising as many to be as... For vague however, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.! Consent for the cookies in the example sentence does not give precise information about he! Dowhan et al., essays that will Get you into College, 3rd....