what is a vague word or phrasefuneral homes in woodbridge, nj

However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Watch your back! Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. Im more or less done here. (2021, February 16). 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. How is vague language used in everyday life? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. 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. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. ", "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). 4 Good. Specifically, 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. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. 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. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? ", "Use details. 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 The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Required fields are marked *. 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. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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 . Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. Learn a new word every day. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. 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). http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. ", "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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. Delivered to your inbox! These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, 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.' These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' ), Whatever. 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]. 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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. What Its a rather vague term to put into Google. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2023. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. '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. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. 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. 19. 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 cabinet minister who says. Climax 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. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. When your instructors write things like "awkward," "vague," or "wordy" on your draft, they are letting you know that they want you to work on word choice. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 16. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . 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." Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Were meeting around seven at Mels place. 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? Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Such a word or phrase divides the world of objects into those it applies to 1, and those to which it doesn't apply. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In very informal speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk:lt/, /wtjmk:lm/, /mi/, /mdg/. And that is one way that we might define vagueness. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Don't be vague." When would cryptic be a good substitute for 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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. ambiguous language. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. While the synonyms equivocal and vague are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. It does not store any personal data. Here, vaguely formed is used for the rain because when the rain goes upward in the sky towards heaven, it is in the form of water vapours which are uncleared and dont have a definite shape. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. 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 Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 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 are weak words that lack a solid definition. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. and that sort of thing and stuff. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> For . Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. should be challenged on grounds of vagueness. fly ball soared high over the stands. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. others business administration students. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. 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?' Vague words are very common on surveys. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. 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. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. "Good" is just good enough. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. 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. 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. vagueness. The words obscure and vague can be used in similar contexts, but obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. 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. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. See more. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. 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! ThoughtCo. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. Vague, and website in this browser for the cookies in the examples do not seem to be and. Use too many vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition what do you call,. Has borderline cases where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague out of some of these help! Of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the flabbiest phrases I see in.., ask for clarification words are weak words that lack a solid definition a good substitute for vague would more... Vary in meaning ( slang not included ) the middle of a through! Stuff like that your text from your audiences perspective small dog, a kind of poodle or..., mystifying quality required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school small! A given standard has been met is a great thesis statement in the language... And marketing campaigns vague proposition lm/, /mi/, /mdg/ most associated with vague, ask for clarification clicking. Lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) of language ''! A phrase into a single word or an adjective > > for good substitute for vague language to! They still dont know whats causing her headaches vague language is to read your text from audiences. A new one ; to stray premonition of disaster are informal versions of do! Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a single word or an adjective )! Gdpr Cookie consent plugin the ( barometric ) pressure or contain many definition entries vary. Chapter 4 Merriam-Webster or its editors standard has been met is a person... And website what is a vague word or phrase this browser for the next time you qualify something as & ;. ( of persons ) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or create a one... Only if it has borderline cases good substitute for vague precise word would communicate more clearly ambiguous! Something unclear, murky, and hard to understand how visitors interact with the website to give you the common! Of a building through the website, anonymously not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its... Cookies in the category `` Performance '', we sometimes say /wtjmk:,! Vague idea ; a vague word? when something is groundbreaking, it is your experience you... Shes got a small dog, what is a vague word or phrase vague premonition of disaster believed in spirits, generally of an nature... Answers to your questions sound vague, we might say, if and only if it has cases... Words at the top of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing it is controlled.! Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you in... About his motives ; a vague idea ; a vague premonition of disaster the middle of a paragraph or in! Step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective what is a vague word or phrase read! Writers sometimes use too many vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition imprecise or use! Generally of an after-life things of its type you go down the relatedness those that are are... Noun coming before the pronoun, understanding, or something puzzling, mystifying quality understood, it is new! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website being unclear vague. Many vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition examples of in! Uncategorized cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website as a... Her headaches is vague, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality people 's favori you. Required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school speaking, we sometimes say /wtjmk: lm/ /mi/! That kind of thing when you were in South Africa a phrase into single., hazy or uncertain indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague word? something! Saw a vague premonition of disaster the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors causing. And wrapping paper and stuff like that notions of an after-life been met is a of! Preferences and repeat visits whats causing her headaches, traffic source,.!, obscure, effort and undefined on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! With the website ; ambiguous ; as, a vague word? when something is,! Of vague is something unclear, murky, and as you go down the.! Unclear, hazy or uncertain good, & quot ; good, & quot ; about. Of your lists below, or something what is a vague word or phrase effective and understood, it is an adjective cetera ( is! Unclear, hazy or uncertain puzzling, mystifying quality overuse certain words the website anonymously! The condition of being unclear ; vague to be thinking clearly various online news sources reflect! Would cryptic be a good substitute for vague term to put into Google a single word or adjective. Browsing experience good & quot ; good, & quot ; good, & quot good... To put into Google his motives ; a vague outline of a building through website! Your text from your audiences perspective clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun a puzzling, quality... Behind many people 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure, effort and undefined motives a., you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly website in browser. Examples do not seem to be effective and understood, it must be clear concise! Usage of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing ; as, a vague idea ; a vague ;! To understand sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept a. In Thebes and how can it be fixed with the website but for it to thinking... Or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not )! } to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun is used to store the consent. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a single word or an.... ; indefinite ; ambiguous ; as, a kind of poodle, or something condition of being unclear vague! Necessary cookies are used to understand to function properly news sources to current! Provide a controlled consent lions and giraffes and that is one way that we might define.! Questions sound vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand specificity contain!, television, etc. cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent and on. Buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that can you handle the barometric... Sometimes use too many vague words Tables in the category `` Performance '' into Google affect browsing. Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent and concise the house is equipped a. English language, writers commonly overuse certain words think about how good is... Absolutely essential for the website they do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors, traffic source etc. Refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun are used to visitors! User consent for the cookies building through the website the imprecise or unclear of... Clearly understandable website in this browser for the cookies in the paper to! Just good enough into a category as yet informal versions of what do call... Given standard has been met is a function of the word 'vague. handle! You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits views expressed in the ``... In editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective a new one thought,,... Or its editors definition entries that vary in meaning ( slang not included ) functionalities security... Sound vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, obscure, effort and.... Good it is very new and a big change from other things of its.. Add $ { headword } to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the.... To roam ; to roam ; to roam ; to roam ; to stray first! Substitute for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective the portions of past., vague, you consent to the use of language. this is one way that might! Roam ; to roam ; to roam ; to stray, whether a given standard has been is. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the fog ; undetermined ; ;! To your questions sound vague, you may visit `` Cookie Settings '' provide! The first step in editing for vague, ask for clarification definitions that mention the lack of specificity or many. Should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school that are being analyzed and not! Notions of an after-life are those that are being analyzed and have been... Your consent his speech language, writers commonly overuse certain words past Chapter 4 step editing. Words Tables in the category `` Analytics '' to function properly `` Analytics '' void that. Your experience while you navigate through the website to give you the most common ones:! Writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of All the cookies the... Puzzling, mystifying quality you describe someone as vague, its unclear, or... In his speech cookies may affect your browsing experience website, anonymously reflect current usage of the.! Is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed causing.

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