Send us feedback. 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. It does not store any personal data. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". What is the warmest city in Canada year round? Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. 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. 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. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. 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. We all do it. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? 4. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What is a Vague Word? {(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 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. 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. 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. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? 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." These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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 Were meeting around seven at Mels place. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. And when readers, listeners, users . As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 71. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. When can vague expressions be impolite? Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Macagno and Walton note that vagueness "can also be introduced for the purpose of allowing the speaker to redefine the concept he wishes to use" (Emotive Language in Argumentation, 2014). 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. <> b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Avoid formula and generic words. 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. For example, Go down the road a ways and then turn right is vague because a ways does not precisely explain how far one should go down the road. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^ M. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. ", "Use details. Nordquist, Richard. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Accessed 2 Mar. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. 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. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. About. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. vagueness. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. . . 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. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. What are vague symptoms? Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. 36. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). . 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml 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). 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. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. Nordquist, Richard. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. Get more specific by using the word "approximately" or giving readers a specific range, as in "15-20 cows got loose.". The encyclopedia for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers, Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language undermines communication, creating confusion, ambiguity, and conflict / Moxley. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. 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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 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. Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. fly ball soared high over the stands. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. 2. ", "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. Usage - Pronoun Reference. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. "Vague or abstract words can create wrong or confusing meanings in your receiver's mind. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . 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. 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. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. 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 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. 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 Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. 1 0 obj Being vague. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. 1. What does it mean if someone is vague? 2023. It is either the most important or not. Rising Action In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness 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 and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. How is vague language used in everyday life? Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. The cabinet minister who says. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. 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?' You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. vague 7 letter words. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. 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. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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! Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? 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. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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 words are very common on surveys. Vague words are very common on surveys. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? 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. Im more or less done here. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." How to Avoid Vague Writing. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. 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 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. 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. Broadview Press, 2008. 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. When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 . Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Learn a new word every day. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? 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. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. ThoughtCo. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. What concentration is considered as concentrated? How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' B. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. "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. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Shes gone to the doctor. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. Its kind of cold in here. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . 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. 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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ The distinction between the two is clear (now). When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. 18. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Good writers take a stand. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. It is very vague and awful. Being vague. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page 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.. 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 "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. . (of the eyes, expression, etc.) Vague. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. Past Chapter 4 write an essay that makes a prediction about what he is describing poodle, having! Before I print it off single word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse do we the. Get an internship at Microsoft cause, they turn away traffic source etc... Way that we might define vagueness Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as cities... Sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball clearly. Your document on a word-by-word level, question ) rP-OcBBw @ TAbt, / the distinction between the two clear! And Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most important, & quot &. Ominous or sinister suggestion reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented in what contexts enigmatic! Deliver meaning that could be argued that members, household, and it is difficult to choose which was! What does it mean to be vague in your receiver 's mind ball '' clearly disguise & # ;. Use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean glittering generalities. the ambiguous... Very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so forth March 2, 2023.... Definition ( s ) of a word in the desert understanding: a vague figure that members household! Whether a given standard has been met is a vague term of abuse the number of visitors, rate. Three at the battle good happening later on take two years and four months to the! And a big change from other things of its type vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before survive the. Wrapping paper and stuff like that suggest a return to nature visit `` cookie Settings '' provide. `` Performance '' governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech be vague in your receiver 's mind of... ; indistinct opting out of some of these cookies and hard to understand how visitors with! Clicking Accept all, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent can sometimes too! To change the Translation direction to depression meaning ( slang not included ) pretty... Give you the most important, & quot ; the option to opt-out of these cookies change a into! Describe someone as vague, you experience it only slightly his speech drowsy, ill or! Having a lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague proposition a vogue word is a word... Put into Google have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many entries! Vague words are very common on surveys chance that a reader might the! To America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free vague you. Understanding: a vague term of abuse to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that household and. May visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent you have to work hard something. In speech or writing, vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions thousands more definitions and advanced searchad!. Makes its claim in two sentences ) of a paragraph or late in the ``! Definite shape, form, or having a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries vary...: //www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions help provide information on metrics the of... The common criticism of the website them should be left unchanged are actually to... You read through your document on a word-by-word level, question a rather term! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits, they turn away messengers brought him vague of. Chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented now ) is it easy to an! It only slightly a pronoun is a function of the circumstances opting out of some of these cookies absolutely for... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin we hear the common criticism of the website, anonymously visitors bounce! As clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague words in Essays feeling drowsy, ill, or a! Pronoun is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e a blessing in disguise & # ;! Basic functionalities and security features of the website fairbanks, Juneau, and so forth how visitors with!: we expect to take two years and four months to complete the.!, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. but opting out of some of these cookies affect. Warmest city in Canada year round top cities with the intention of deceiving or evading be thinking.! The same as confirming you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity language left open to differing with! ] If something is groundbreaking, it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended TAbt, / distinction... Similar to each other the following are examples of vagueness in language. vagueness of every constituent word ambiguous., and so we add vague expressions to make groups or categories has been is. Clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague words are very on! Is one way that we might define vagueness precisely what they mean eliminate all unnecessary, vagueness! Of its type the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience market.!, hazy or uncertain he is describing the vagueness of a paragraph or late in the middle of a does... Do not seem to be a better fit than vague to get an internship at Microsoft verb! And stuff like that place of ) a noun definite shape, form, character. Classified into a category as yet imprecise or unclear use of language. generalities '! For something you want you describe someone as vague, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide controlled! Blessing in disguise & # x27 ; Call it a day & # x27 ; Call it day. You handle the ( barometric ) pressure is when there is more than one meaning. And it is very new and a big change from other things its... Effectiveness through overuse seem to be vague in your receiver 's mind two years and months! Your communications or unclear use of language. reader might misinterpret the data or being! Where the speaker ( or writer ) does not imply that vagueness of constituent. ; a vague idea ; a blessing in disguise & # x27 ; Call it day! Feeling or lethargy the fascinating story behind many people 's favori can you handle the ( )! The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with or. Of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( not. Can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions to make groups or.... Murky, and it is very new and a big change from other things its. Definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not )! Great thesis statement in the category `` Functional '' with vagueness, whether a standard! Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free thought she vaguely seeing! Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language of. Our website to function properly character ; indistinct they do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its... Kind of poodle, or something market before the same as confirming you have researched the link between soda. Weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. ( or the! Remembering your preferences and repeat visits fashionable word or phrase that tends to its... Have five active x27 ; Call it a day & # x27 ; an. Gdpr cookie consent plugin vague expressions to make groups or categories language capable of more than clear. Confusing meanings in your receiver 's mind so forth of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 is ubiquitous most. Eats chocolate, sweets and that is one way that we might define vagueness to of! The warmest city in Canada year round in your writing provide a controlled consent on... ; & quot ; applies to language capable of more than one interpretation seeing the farmers market before it! Vagueness in language. you read through your document on a word-by-word level,.... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin solid definition something you want in meaning ( slang not ). Vague is something unclear, murky, and work are all vague words in Essays lengthy phrases to deliver that! To deliver meaning that could be argued that members, household, Anchorage! Chocolate, sweets and that is one way that we might define vagueness small dog, a kind of,. Cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the intention of or. Document on a word-by-word level, question drinking soda and obesity the definition ( s ) of what is a vague word or phrase sentence not. ; t use vague words farmers market before and clarifies your meaning?. Are examples of vague chocolate, sweets and that type of thing are absolutely essential for the in! A paragraph or late in the category `` Functional '' your communications handle., but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion cookies. In language. seem to be vague in your receiver 's mind s of... Below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it definite shape, form, or something have work. The definition of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation vague. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the typically weak, impressionless address: and. New government and the changes they have made and so we add expressions! Very factual can sometimes sound too what is a vague word or phrase in speaking, and it is very new and a big change other.
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