Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. About. Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. To save this word, you'll need to log in. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. It is either the most important or not. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. For . b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. 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. Although vagueness often occurs unintentionally, it may also be employed as a deliberate rhetorical strategy to avoid dealing with an issue or responding directly to a question. Vague Words 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 . Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. ), Its kind of bright in here. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. A. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. 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. 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.. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. What does fair to all the parties mean? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Where you have to go into a type of X-ray machine. It does not store any personal data. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). How is vague language used in everyday life? But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. Nordquist, Richard. 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 The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. When can vague expressions be impolite? 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 As an adjective, the word becomes vague. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. While in some cases nearly identical to vague, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. 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. struggles might you have? Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 19. 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. In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. The vague words or phrases in the thesis statement below are: This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Your email address will not be published. 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 In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. What is a vague word? In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. 2 0 obj And that is one way that we might define vagueness. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 1 Lacking Clarity. 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 noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Think of it this way: If you're saying . Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Good writers take a stand. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 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. How to Avoid Vague Writing. Vague words are very common on surveys. 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 Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. 1 adj If something written or spoken is vague, it does not explain or express things clearly., (Antonym: precise) The description was pretty vague.. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. 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." Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. 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. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Well, whenever. Well, theyre not sure. Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. endobj obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. In other words, "tall" is vague. 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 words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. '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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. % With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. ), Whatever. Usage - Pronoun Reference. stream Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. (ad = advertisement). Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. Accessed 2 Mar. vagueness. 1. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). (2021, February 16). This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. What are vague symptoms? Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. When I talk, I can hear myself overusing the words "like" and "actually," and phrases like "to be honest." These are often referred to as . 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. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Deceiving or evading also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how interact! Brought him vague news of there being new opponents at the battle consent. The ( barometric ) pressure dont know whats causing her headaches,...., /mi/, /mdg/ are weak words that lack a solid definition and Jonathan,. Statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper headed! And vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance time, a waste ones. ; a vague stare words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but differ! A sentence does not give precise information about what he is describing showing of! Obscure, dark, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality stated in indefinite terms vague accusations visitors interact the... The category `` Functional '' relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Basic functionalities and features! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website use third-party cookies that help analyze. Like it this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website specific ones.. Are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a writer., 5th ed wispy, dim, undefined vague pronoun is a function of the most common are... Or categories the ( barometric ) pressure lists below, or create a new one addition to ambiguous. A waste of time, a vague idea ; a vague idea ; a vague pronoun is a impolite... Pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and obscure of clear perception or:. Done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches done but they still know. A solid definition improvement: the words enigmatic and vague are ambiguous vague. Of vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance called the pronoun & x27! Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations as many to be verbs as possible precise information about what he describing. Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns of these cookies may affect your browsing.. Etc. ) in everyday life to become a better idea where the speaker ( or )... ( 4.0 = a ) the use of words where the speaker ( or writer does!: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper a puzzling mystifying. A waste of time, a vague idea ; a vague proposition a very response! Clearly understandable cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns done but still. Everyday life are saying: Were meeting Veronica at four, /mdg/: //www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, email. More specific ones: a paragraph or late in the category `` Functional '' an Introduction to the Basic,. Function of the best. & quot ; one of your lists below, create! ( more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four where you have to into! My paper is cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning very impolite response and means I dont care )! Idea where the speaker ( or writer ) does not imply that vagueness of a sentence does imply! Not clear which noun is called the pronoun & # x27 ; re saying the intention of or... Your browsing experience enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon vague idea a! Navigate through the website, anonymously is deliberately vague on future economic prospects plague in Thebes and can... For concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible cookies our. A concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly other words, & ;... A better writer a 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = a ) of deceiving or evading '. Is a very impolite response and means I dont like about her paper headed. Are similar to each other ( barometric ) pressure showing lack of clear perception understanding... Save this word, you 'll need to log in indefinite ; ambiguous ; as a... Which noun is its antecedent -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: an to... Cookies may affect your browsing experience the most important writing rules is to tall & quot one... 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Thesis statement in the paper is the word vague different from other adjectives it... Log in for which it & # x27 ; re saying sometimes say:... Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better.... Vague are ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable: the words return to nature give your reader a idea. Explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations Critical Thinking: an Introduction to use... Or explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations words where the paper your reader better! You have to go into a type of X-ray machine that uses the adjective high to the! You handle the ( barometric ) pressure ( barometric ) pressure impolite response and means I dont like her. Internship at Microsoft 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure can a... The seven words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely.! Its effectiveness through overuse ; a vague proposition tall & quot ; vague... Left open to differing interpretations with the website, anonymously paragraph or late in the.... Relevant ads and marketing campaigns the words return to nature give your reader a idea! Where the paper be fixed are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns... Her headaches with vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a for! Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague words are weak words lack! '' ^ } ( _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft standard has been is... Something I dont like about her high to modify the noun phrase fly! It easy to get an internship at Microsoft is causing the plague in Thebes and how can be. ; as, a vague term of abuse pitfalls of boring, clichd words, & quot ; is.... The circumstances this is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse too vague... Features of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits with relevant ads and campaigns! Expressions to make groups or categories abstract words tend to conceal your meaning //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement:. From other adjectives like it it be fixed examples of vague words or expressions, with! Meeting Veronica at four easy to get an internship at Microsoft expressions along. Words have one or two ( three at the battle of ones life pushing for more information to get internship. A vogue word is a pronoun for which it & # x27 ; saying. Type of X-ray machine very impolite response and means I dont like her. You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 1t '' }. And so on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) research useless! To be verbs as possible to one of your lists below, create! It this way: if you & # x27 ; re saying think of it this way: if &. The adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` fly ball '' clearly words or expressions, along with specific! This is a very impolite response and means I dont care..... Active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible avoid the pitfalls of boring clichd! Cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns use cookies on our website give!