";s:4:"text";s:14995:"[from a university lecture on communication], If you use an advertisement in the newspaper, a thirty-second ad on television et cetera et cetera, it will receive quite a wide audience but theres relatively little you can say in it. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. Well, whenever. Is that okay? 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. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. 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. What does fair to all the parties mean? (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. Note how this thesis statement makes its claim in two sentences. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? 5. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. "Let me check.". 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. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . And that is one way that we might define vagueness. As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. endobj
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 3 0 obj
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Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. tonight" and their claim that "that page Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. "Really" clogs your content. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Also called a voguism . stream
She vaguely recognized the blond boy. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. They state a general idea but leave the precise meaning to the receiver's interpretationThe following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Notice in the preceding examples how adding a few words makes the meaning precise. 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. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Barron's, 2009. Meaning of vague in English. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. 1. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. vague 7 letter words. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. Vague language is defined as words or phrases "which deliberately refer to people and things in a non-specific, imprecise way" (Carter & McCarthy, 2006, cited in Cutting, 2007). 2. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. One vague word is enough. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. 4 Good. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>>
You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. What is a vague word? In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). 15 e.g. 129 129 16. . 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 These were at their best vague plans. Broadview Press, 2008. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. It may be essentially doubtful whether this is a red shape because it is essentially doubtful whether this is red, although beyond doubt that it is a shape. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". She rolled her eyes at the vague response. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. 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. 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. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. others business administration students. 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 . Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". 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). I have too much stuff to do. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. 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? Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Have I used any words that need to be unpacked, words that mean a lot to me that readers may not understand without additional clarifications? Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. Watch your back! 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. Vague words are very common on surveys. There are so many lorries and trucks and that sort of thing passing by our house, even during the night. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? 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. (This is not a polite reply. Your email address will not be published. <>
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ (Redirected from Weasel Word) A weasel word, or anonymous authority, is an informal term for words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that something specific and meaningful has been said, when in fact only a vague or ambiguous claim has been communicated. 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.. 36. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These expressions include: what do you call it?, whats it called?, its a kind of X, its a sort of X, its a type of X, or something, thing, stuff: Vals been in hospital for tests. ), <60yxuNP]V2$&wh 6(L1# aB]p1[>v6:]DH$*@^*H SCt||n+1.6 \jQ#?-seeFyo?x3??'nHH^Z$~fWw*)rP-OcBBw@TAbt,/ Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. ";s:7:"keyword";s:30:"what is a vague word or phrase";s:5:"links";s:469:"Why Did Lee J Cobb Leave The Virginian,
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