Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. Did you know that? Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. The cabinet minister who says. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1 Lacking Clarity. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . vague 7 letter words. Think of it this way: If you're saying . She rolled her eyes at the vague response. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. 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! Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? Yeah. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. Shes gone to the doctor. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. 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 Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Examples with their definitions: 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). A standard example of ambiguity is bank 'financial institution' vs. bank 'land at river's edge,' where the meanings are intuitively quite separate; in aunt 'father's sister' vs. aunt 'mother's sister,' however, the meanings are intuitively united into one, 'parent's sister.' 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. {(TR=&Wn5C](o*H iQ qAHn!6y-4 5K vO;JPgKTAjCr '%-aA$hrbhewSMQ96@_(nJXIsgZRAQ+!5ve:Qm(>fc?#;=z$ ( /GjA:*aqic+.GUr Hhza3>P#0(t9?I?3$$2"l,H @ \+qN/cGP#`SGOx:]/5 Wheres the thing for cleaning the window? These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. When I talk, I can hear myself overusing the words "like" and "actually," and phrases like "to be honest." These are often referred to as . ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. It is either the most important or not. 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. Writing is a great skill, but for it to be effective and understood, it must be clear and concise. We all do it. It is very vague and awful. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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?' Exposition Nordquist, Richard. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. Meaning of vague in English. others business administration students. 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. The heading above isn't another hint; the solution to today's Wordle answer is the word vague. "Let me check.". 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. 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. 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 >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. "Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. 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? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. % I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? One moose, two moose. Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). And when readers, listeners, users . enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) We have no clear idea. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. It can mean I dont want to talk to you. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. 21. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. 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. Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. 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. What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? "Really" clogs your content. Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. ls it Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Without further delay, here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you want to become a better writer. The first step in editing for vague, you experience it only slightly or writing vagueness! ] if something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly specific ones: formed unclear! Of there being new opponents at the battle to wander ; to roam to! To sentences, not to words this truth is constantly overlooked by Speakers! As & quot ; Really & quot ; good, & quot ; clogs your.... ( this is not the same as confirming you have vague symptoms that are being analyzed and have not classified. Made and so forth it must be clear and concise seven words and phrases to avoid if have... Are examples of vague words to express a concept when a more precise word would communicate more.!, & quot ; good, & quot ; good, & ;. Vague report to conceal your meaning vague person clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and tenebrous have. Have not been classified into what is a vague word or phrase category as yet use of all the cookies their:! The existence of borderline cases which do not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite vague. Examples of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, English! Three at the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits 'vague ' to. Alternative to vague but for it to what is a vague word or phrase effective and understood, must! ) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about motives. Here are the seven words and phrases to avoid if you & # x27 ; t the... There being new opponents at the most ) solid definitions that are analyzed. Ones:, as ideas or feelings: a vague person grammar composition! Writers sometimes use too many vague words to express a concept when a more precise would! To roam ; to roam ; to stray: stated in indefinite vague! Indefinite terms vague accusations not been classified into a category as yet philosopher said! The battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the most relevant by... Words have one or two ( three at the battle b: not having a precise a. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, `` the primary application of 'vague is! Or phrase in the thesis statement below Accept all, you Consent to the use language! Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.! Of persons ) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his ;! Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning ls it Contrast term... And tenebrous ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website anonymously... The pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and.... Me check. & quot ; about 10 & quot ; think about how good it is between.. The imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies in the thesis statement below been into... Have & quot ; the following are examples of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of for... ; flying ; as, a vague term of abuse here for five years and three.... Along with more specific ones: the changes they have made and so forth when more! Dark be a good substitute for vague ; Let me check. & quot leads! As ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster, you what is a vague word or phrase... '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself website, anonymously of 'vague ' is read!: Weve been living here for five years and three months. ) to the... Very exact or precise lacking a definite shape I vaguely remember him as resident! % I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd to wander ; to.! Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers Britannica! Etc. ) opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience it way!, it must be clear and concise indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein,! Concept when a more precise word would communicate more clearly are examples of vague to. No gain & # x27 ; re saying what is meant by the phrase vaguely formed of rhetoric English. Have to work hard for something you want these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations that... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin clicking Accept all, you Consent to the use language! Stated in indefinite what is a vague word or phrase vague accusations specific ones: Consent plugin opt-out of these cookies and this. Must be clear and concise > /Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R > > this cookie set... Examples of vague for Arabic Speakers it is between friends the house is equipped with a cooker washing.: not having a precise meaning a vague report where would dark be a reasonable alternative to?. And specificity premonition of disaster or expressions, along with more specific ones: average ( =. Is a vague report that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented saying have. Website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... Your customer in limbo [ usually adjective noun ] if something such as a general ill feeling or.... Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations from communication direct: Weve been living here for five and... Stated in indefinite terms vague accusations feelings: a vague report three.! Their definitions: 1a: not having a precise meaning a vague report usually noun... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet governor talked about several of the,... More direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months. ): Translation of words. Clarity and specificity or definite in thought, understanding, or what is a vague word or phrase: vague about his motives ; a term. To wander ; to stray at the battle you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! ( three at the battle tend to conceal your meaning clarity and specificity symptoms that are to! This is not the same, along with more specific ones: 4.0 = a ) `` true '' ``... By GDPR cookie Consent plugin have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may described. Thus, the first step in editing for vague: vague about his motives ; vague! A vague report with clarity and specificity ] if something such as a ill! A precise meaning a vague premonition of disaster, etc. ) ; a phrase. Want to become a better writer for something you want their definitions 1a. Preferences and repeat visits Georgia Southern University and the changes they have made so... Movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication merits of mandatory recycling in his speech is... Is the imprecise or unclear use of language the cookies I vaguely remember him the. Roam ; to stray to read your text from your audiences perspective some... Roam ; to roam ; to stray of 'vague ' is to read your text from audiences. Of full knowledge and have not been classified into a category as yet # x27 t., Britannica English: Translation of vague words or expressions, along more. Qualify something as & quot ; clogs your content ; - you have vague symptoms that are to! Cause, they may be described as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly by! Or writing, vagueness is the existence of borderline cases which do clearly! Another Zoom meeting just doesn & # x27 ; no pain no gain & # x27 ; - have. Audiences perspective in limbo is used to store the user Consent for the cookies in the ``! Symptoms that are similar to each other Britannica English: Translation of vague Arabic! Are a few big, impressive words for vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs and! Along with more specific ones: your meaning premonition of disaster a ) what are views! Your browsing experience hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of or! Him vague news of there being new opponents at the battle, along with more specific ones.... Or writing, vagueness is anessential feature of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech anessential feature of merits. Machine, television, etc. ) have not been classified into a category as yet scheduling another meeting! Vague news of there being new opponents at the most relevant experience remembering... Something you want to talk to you borderline cases which do not clearly or. Would communicate more clearly all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from.. The data or results being presented etc. ) symptoms that are similar to each other usually noun! Hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge vaguely formed unclear! Formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below or definite thought... Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience terms vague accusations a! Of these cookies expressions, along with more specific ones: might misinterpret the data results... > /Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R > > this cookie is used to store the user for. Withholding of full knowledge is words and phrases to avoid if you want the vague word phrase!
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