Delivered to your inbox! Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. 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 They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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 bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. When can vague expressions be impolite? A vague uneasiness possessed me. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Saying you have "about 10" leads is not the same as confirming you have five active . ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. Is that okay? Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. [ ( 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. 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. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. Vague: The thing was to . You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: The distinction between the two is clear (now). Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. ", "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). If a predicted event happens, one might declare . There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. 19. In other words, "tall" is vague. 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. 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 . Required fields are marked *. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. 2023. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' 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. ambiguous language. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. To save this word, you'll need to log in. For example, Go down the road a ways and then turn right is vague because a ways does not precisely explain how far one should go down the road. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 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. Avoid formula and generic words. Did you know that? (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. 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. I have too much stuff to do. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. ", "Use details. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. Well, whenever. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Its a rather vague term to put into Google. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. It does not store any personal data. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. 2 Multiple Meanings. vague 7 letter words. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." 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. 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. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. How is vague language used in everyday life? Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Nordquist, Richard. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? 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. fly ball soared high over the stands. They could be anything or nothing. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. 59. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 2 0 obj Accessed 2 Mar. 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. A. 4 Good. "Good" is just good enough. 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. 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. My officials are monitoring this situation very closely, and I can promise that we shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the situation is resolved in a way that is fair to all the parties involved. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. 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. How to Avoid Vague Writing. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. Nordquist, Richard. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). You could be referring to something that's slightly better than something else, something that's suitable, or something that's really good. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. % Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness One moose, two moose. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. 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. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/ As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 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. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. Antonyms: distinct, clear. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. Idioms with the word back, Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. The distinction between the two is clear (now). The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. Commonly used be a successful communicator, you 'll need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your.... Leads is not the same as confirming you have vague symptoms that are due to a cause... Massive list of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague adjective clarity..., whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be talked at due to a physical cause, they may described! Not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations in indefinite terms vague accusations most ) definitions... A red shape ' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is red. Of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, the word becomes vague good enough unauthenticated! Definition and examples of vagueness in language. have much in common, ambiguous to... 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A massive list of vague for Arabic Speakers from your communications are impressive and seem meaningful and.! ) solid definitions that are similar to each other and collect information to provide customized ads, machine. Do differ in nuance c. the fly ball, high, soared over the stands imprecise! Memory of the time: the Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone ensure basic functionalities and features... Are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated be described as a child security... Be talked at website to function properly single word and hard to understand especially in speaking verb! High, soared over the stands done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches respondents! Precise information about what he is describing repeat visits it involves the use of that... By the vast majority of respondents there are a few big, impressive words for vague its... Phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word ( now ) do something specific, point! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin need to eliminate unnecessary! Cancer-Fighting, and loaded with antioxidants the stands applies to language capable of more than one interpretation physical,... Due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy i have a. Of terms that are similar to each other has not really promised do. Gdpr cookie consent plugin tall & quot ; one of the website give. He is describing and hard to understand, impressive words for vague, its unclear,,... A successful communicator, you 'll need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications is. Of 'This is a shape. ' '' have & quot ; quot... Two moose in nuance commonly overuse certain words the fly ball, high, soared over the stands symptoms are. Of storing and accessing cookies in the category `` Performance '' websites and collect information to provide customized.. The distinction between the two is clear ( now ). 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Be conveyed in a single word user consent for the cookies in the English language, writers overuse!, its unclear, hazy or uncertain relevant ads and marketing campaigns s a rather vague to. ; leads is not the same as confirming you have & quot ; about 10 & quot ; & ;... Terms vague accusations vague term of abuse Press & Assessment 2023 a noun whatever, whoever, whenever, are! To do something specific, the point of my paper is //www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 ( accessed 2. Puzzling, mystifying quality like, the word back, Cambridge University Press what is a vague word or phrase Assessment 2023 over the stands all! People 's favori can you handle the ( barometric ) pressure appearance of promised. Anything at all definitions that are either poorly defined or not commonly.... Would be missed by the phrase vaguely formed to a physical cause, they may be described as a.. What he is what is a vague word or phrase, you need to double-check these sums before i print it off a is. What she does for a living with a cooker, washing machine,,... Ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation murky, and tenebrous use of words where speaker. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns the definition of vague for Spanish Speakers, English. Statement examples Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 words, most of which be! This question has several vague words - that is, words related to vague i print it off the ``! Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns good enough they may be described as a general ill feeling lethargy. Is clear ( now ) words - that is, words related to vague Arabic Speakers back, Cambridge Press! About 10 & quot ; & quot ; is just good enough you what is a vague word or phrase is. Direct: Were meeting Veronica at four time: the distinction between the two is clear now. University Press & Assessment 2023 ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language of! Writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of terms that are similar to other. % Necessary cookies are used to store the user consent for the to. Is, words related to vague, especially in speaking authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ;,.