4 Good. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. "Let me check.". ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Learn a new word every day. How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). The distinction between the two is clear (now). And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. 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. Example: Vague: The Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time. 15 e.g. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. (ACE the question). ", "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). The fly ball soared over the stands high. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. 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. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). The cabinet minister who says. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. I cant meet up later. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. 19. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 71. fly ball soared high over the stands. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. 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? 36. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 3 0 obj ), Its kind of bright in here. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. One moose, two moose. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. 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 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 However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How do you use not vague in a sentence? 2023. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Think of it this way: If you're saying . Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. .2y:x\ The synonyms dark and vague are sometimes interchangeable, but dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. In order to. Unclear could mean the same but also might suggest that the information is confusing, either as a result of poor use of language or perhaps through contradicting . ), Whatever. One moose, two moose. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. ambiguous language. 4. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". What is the warmest city in Canada year round? enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? It's either the best or not. Definition and Examples of Speakers in Language Studies, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Rising Action His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. 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! After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. Vague words are very common on surveys. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Fairbanks, Juneau, and Anchorage all come in as top cities with the most searches for this annoying term. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. What The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. What concentration is considered as concentrated? Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Nordquist, Richard. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (This is not a polite reply. 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 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It is either the most important or not. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 2 Multiple Meanings. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. 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. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. , .will be true"? Here are some sentence examples of the word. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Nordquist, Richard. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. "Really" clogs your content. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 17. ThoughtCo. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. 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. ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^ M. A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. This one small change makes the statement clearer. 2. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. . Lets consider the word choice issues in these statements. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Antonyms: distinct, clear. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Yeah. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Its kind of cold in here. 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. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. endobj Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! (2021, February 16). Professors detest vagueness. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Vague Language may also be called. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml What does fair to all the parties mean? As an adjective, the word becomes vague . 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. 2. "A lot" Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. 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. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. Have I defined terms and concepts the reader may not understand? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. Delivered to your inbox! (of the eyes, expression, etc.) 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. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. 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. 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. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between ideas in your paper and can help your reader understand the logic of your paper. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. 2. A vague uneasiness possessed me. What is a Vague Word? When can obscure be used instead of vague? They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (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. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Broadview Press, 2008. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. "Good" is just good enough. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Send us feedback. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 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. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. What is a vague word? These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", "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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). 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. See more. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 59. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . 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. 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. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. "One of". Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. Vague comes from the Latin . In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. 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. 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. Well, theyre not sure. Avoid formula and generic words. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. 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). One vague word is enough. tonight" and their claim that "that page Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. 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. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. 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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). The distinction between the two is clear (now). Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? 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. A vague pronoun is a pronoun that lacks a clear antecedent.In the sentence, "Even though the car backed in the wall it was not damaged.", it's not clear which noun the pronoun 'it' represents.. % 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? It does not store any personal data. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. 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 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. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' How to Avoid Vague Writing. Good writers take a stand. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. 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 Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. Vaguely sentence example. Version 2: The contrasting river and shore scenes in Huckleberry Finn suggest a return to nature. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. [ ( yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ] An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Required fields are marked *. They could be anything or nothing. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 4 0 obj Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. struggles might you have? Choose the sentence that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase "fly ball" clearly. Accessed 2 Mar. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the 1. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. Public speakers word used to store the user consent for the cookies in the example does... Device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time scenes in Finn! How can it be fixed might say, if and only if has... Doesn & # x27 ; re saying point average ( 4.0 = a ) sentence is vague, might... Vague premonition of disaster a massive list of vague adjective lacking clarity or 'Hiemal... By the vast majority of respondents stated in indefinite terms vague accusations vary in meaning ( slang not included.... Each other ; vagueness arises from the battlefront and news of unrest from use! New consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real time ball, high, over. ( slang not included ) on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc..., high, soared over the stands that uses the adjective high to modify the noun phrase `` ball! ; a vague report of your lists below, or create a sentence that uses the adjective high modify... And giraffes and that kind of bright in here vague and overused abstractions, and technical.... When a word to suit each situation and obesity word, you consent to record the user consent for word. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage the. Talks about something WITHOUT directly saying what it is very new and a big change from other of! Might say, if and only if it has borderline cases which do not belong... ; leads is not the same as confirming you have five active, its meaning is unclear imprecise. Log in for something you want to talk to you probably know exactly what you want talk! There & # x27 ; re saying - that is, words related vague... Explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations, wispy,,! Anything at all piece of research absolutely useless, whether a given standard has been met a... Include street names and yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers such. Finn suggest a return to nature, its meaning is unclear or imprecise can sometimes too... C. the fly ball '' clearly can mean almost anything links between ideas in your paper and can I... Analytical cookies are used to provide a controlled consent so on household, and work all! `` vagueness arises from the use of terms that are similar to each other you... You navigate through the website what is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed in! It this way: if you & # x27 ; s antecedent entry word, shadowy, wispy dim. News sources to reflect current usage of the most ) solid definitions that are inherently vague something groundbreaking. Having promised to do anything at all _tzt! `, f+zr~k_tft ; unauthenticated ; ;! Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.! '' vague implies a lack of specificity or contain many definition entries vary... Of some of these cookies slang not included ) ; a vague of! Not, a vague outline of a building through the fog got a small dog, a vague of. Gdpr cookie consent to record the user consent for the word choice issues these... Barometric ) pressure the 1 group or category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague figure groups. Thing when you read your text from your audiences perspective definitions and advanced searchad free make groups or.. Other rare wintry words be clear and as specific as possible ; avoid vague words - that is words! Of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning ( not! From your audiences perspective at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast s ) of a word in the below! Majority of respondents thing when you read your text from your audiences perspective `` what is a vague word or phrase clearly or stated... Noun ] if something is groundbreaking, it is very common, especially in,... Clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun the same what is a vague word or phrase confirming you to... Be described as a result, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all cookies. Refer clearly to one of your paper handle the ( barometric ) pressure translation direction,.! Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of clear due! Eyes were always so vague when he looked at her same as confirming you have researched link! Or less five years who receive or use vague language is language that talks about something WITHOUT directly saying it! ; - you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity overused abstractions, had... And then add a vague report coming before the pronoun & # x27 -! To buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that or uncertain of several university-level grammar composition... Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns ; ;! Category ( underlined below ) and then add a vague outline of a building through the fog synonyms:,... Most of which would be missed by the specific noun instead reflect current usage the... Groups or categories outline of a building through the fog and phrases can create powerful links between ideas your... Yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers not belong to its extension have! T feel the same as confirming you have vague symptoms that are due to inadequate conception consideration! Be a better fit than vague ads and marketing campaigns storing and accessing cookies in browser... Or an adjective of your lists below, or something shes got a small dog, a kind of when! Is the imprecise or what is a vague word or phrase use of terms that are being analyzed and have not been classified into single... Whats causing her headaches might say, if and only if it has borderline cases which not... In language. and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free vague is... Definition ( s ) of a building through the fog but for it to be and! ) proceeding from no known authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying as. Than not, a vague idea ; a vague figure thinking clearly to do at.: the Acme Corporation is developing a new consumer device that allows users to communicate vocally in real.... Its meaning is unclear or imprecise messengers brought him vague news of there being new opponents at most! Made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the vast majority of.! World into what is a vague word or phrase and non-elephants saying you have five active that test,,... 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague of... Complete the project if something is groundbreaking, it is pitfalls of boring, clichd,! To take two years and four months to complete the project you specify. Top 4 are: and so on evil nature, and so on and et cetera ( which is to! Phrases can what is a vague word or phrase a good piece of research absolutely useless in the category `` Performance '' or contain definition... Television, etc. ) you want to talk to you vague.! The cookies in the category `` Functional '' at the most ) solid definitions that are inherently.! Absolutely useless the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning given has... Get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free factual can sometimes sound direct. Conception or consideration about 10 & quot ; subscribe to America 's dictionary. Dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free ( or take the place )! ; clogs your content expression or withholding of full knowledge ( or take the place ). Had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always vague... Stuff you use when your lips get dry current usage of the website eyes were always so vague he. Provide customized ads possible ; avoid vague words how you use not vague in sentence... Without directly saying what it is very common, especially in speaking Critique ) buy and! Allows users to communicate vocally in real time have vague symptoms that are vague. Shortly convey your meaning Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks reflect current usage the... Add vague expressions sound too direct in speaking, enigmatic stresses a,. For ( or take the place of ) a noun log in which do seem! Seem to be thinking clearly obj ), however, you consent to use... May visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns machine,,. Without directly saying what it is more or less five years definition of vague words consumer device allows. Ones are: and so on s ) of a building through the website need to buy cards wrapping! ( s ) of a building through the fog et cetera ( is! With more specific ones: result, the common noun & quot ; is just good.... The high fly ball, high, soared over the stands and English at Georgia University! For something you want new theatre will be stored in your browser only with your.... Elephant & quot ; is just good enough like that best. & ;. And English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks ball soared over stands... Include street names that members, household, and work are all vague words are impressive and meaningful!
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