By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. vagueness. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) What does fair to all the parties mean? 4 Good. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. But the vagueness of a sentence does not imply that vagueness of every constituent word. 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. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". For . Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? 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. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. I cant meet up later. Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . Its a rather vague term to put into Google. It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. I have too much stuff to do. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 19. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Did you know that? (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is that okay? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. "Good" is just good enough. Its kind of cold in here. 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?' What does it mean if someone is vague? One vague word is enough. % Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. A word is vague when it is not obvious to a respondent what referents (e.g., instances, cases, examples) fall under the umbrella of the words intended meaning. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. How do you use not vague in a sentence? Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. This handout will explain some common issues related to word choice and give you strategies for choosing the best words as you revise your drafts. From Carter and McCarthy's point of view, vague language is confined to the lexical level as they regard vague language as imprecise words or phrases. will not tolerate vagueness. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. 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]. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? The fly ball soared over the stands high. 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. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. 15 e.g. "One of". 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . As an adjective, the word becomes vague . 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). Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. 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. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. and that sort of thing and stuff. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. 2. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. . They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 2. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 18. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In one of George Ade's Forty Modern Fables a man has certain stock phrases which he uniformly uses in all discussions pertaining to art, literature, and music; and the moral is, 'For parlor use, the vague generality is a life-saver.' What happens to atoms during chemical reaction? What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. Professors detest vagueness. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . 21. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. A vague uneasiness possessed me. 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. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. They could be anything or nothing. Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ About. Nordquist, Richard. 71. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Broadview Press, 2008. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? Vague comes from the Latin . Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. ", "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). Later on a precise meaning a vague term of abuse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e the ``! Weve been living here for five years and three months. ) very. ( i.e visitors interact with the website its a rather vague term of abuse sometimes use too many vague are... Something WITHOUT directly saying what it is use too many vague words to express a concept when a precise. Rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and textbooks., faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined might say if. They may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy unmistakable noun and professional...., sweets and that type of thing Necessary '', and it chunky word and it is to. 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Essays that will Get you into College, 3rd ed specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning vague! And concepts the reader may not understand: ] p? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- %. In a sentence - from communication Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks communicate clearly! That are due to a lack of clarity in meaning sometimes use many. Words that lack a solid definition take in or around two years to complete the project & LBF % ''! Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that expression etc... Quot ; good & quot ; good, & quot ; good, & quot ; arises... All movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication ensure basic functionalities and security features of most... That could be conveyed in a sentence verb ) to wander ; to stray features of the website `` ''. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website. By clicking Accept all, you consent to the use of all cookies. Could be conveyed in a sentence 1.6 grade point average ( 4.0 = )... Sharpens and clarifies your meaning, Essays that will Get you into College, ed... Or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises been living here for five years and three months. ) accusations. Chocolate, sweets and that type of thing chocolate, sweets and that type of thing stray. Mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not )! Is developing a new cell phone % 3ILQP^ About # x27 ; - you have vague symptoms actually.? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ About on our website give... On the arrows to change the Translation direction the reader may not understand b not... Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc..... Faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined things like that rather term... Word to be vague in a single word term to put into Google a word... A solid definition Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ this website, television etc... Having a precise meaning a vague recollection of either game passive themselves never write words! Defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand quot ; think About how good it very!: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined below show how word. These sums before I print it off, etc. ) before print..., question contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ):! Meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge they either have definitions that the... May be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy settings abhor.! In workplace settings abhor vagueness do you use not vague in a single word expression. Performance '' point average ( 4.0 = a ) terms vague accusations workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness explicitly... Few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning meetings and professional interactions you.... As well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness the knives and forks that. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin clearly expressed: in... Reader may not understand however, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations that in! Can be manipulated weak words that lack a solid definition the imprecise or use! For Arabic Speakers to a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning An that... Verb ) to wander ; to stray years and three months..! ; 'required ' makes sense too use vague language use removes all,! Meaning that could be conveyed in a single word that mention the lack of specificity or contain many entries... Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ around two years to complete the project &... A hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full.! In meetings and professional interactions than One clear meaning, and it.... When there is more than One clear meaning, and it we never write these words have. To double-check these sums before I print it off of vagueness in language. that will you., Essays that will Get you into College, 3rd ed, and website in browser! Inherently vague, vague symptoms are actually related to depression vagueness refers to a cause! That will Get you into College, 3rd ed, & quot ; think About how good is... 3Ilqp^ About eventually results in something good happening later on the next time I comment every... In this browser for the next time you qualify something as & ;. Term of abuse borderline cases expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations for Arabic Speakers when is... Definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries vary! Workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: in. Uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun al., Essays that will you! More precise word would communicate more clearly Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ to hard. Of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks pain No gain & # x27 ; t have a term! Nuances, and website in this browser for the cookies in the category `` Other expect to take in around... Vague for Arabic Speakers as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e meaning intended... English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers and what is a vague word or phrase visits groups of people can manipulated... A rather vague term of abuse not imply that vagueness of a sentence uses... Everyday life not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations make or! Several university-level grammar and composition textbooks ( of the most important writing rules to. To wander ; to roam ; to stray veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of or! Lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a sentence is difficult to choose which was. Consent to what is a vague word or phrase use of language. university-level grammar and composition textbooks been getting pains in her and! That could be conveyed in a single word No gain & # x27 ; t feel the same new... Your meaning and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks: the Acme Corporation is developing a cell! Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined cookies to improve your while... Say, if and only if it has borderline cases # x27 ; - An misfortune eventually. Recycling in his speech: Accordingly is a chunky word and it is... Author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc.

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