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 cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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 . 15 e.g. <>
It does not store any personal data. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. The difference between ambiguity and vagueness is a matter of whether two or more meanings associated with a given phonological form are distinct (ambiguous), or united as non-distinguished subcases of a single, more general meaning (vague). The cabinet minister who says. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Professors detest vagueness. Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language creates confusion, ambiguity, and conflict, Fake News: An Undergraduate Composition Course, Fake News: an Undergraduate Composition Course, a defining characteristic of weak writing and, an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like. Its kind of cold in here. Vague comes from the Latin . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What does it mean to be vague in your writing? As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Specific: The Acme Corporation is developing a new cell phone. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 17. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. 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.' You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. 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. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Yeah. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Kale is good for you because it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and loaded with antioxidants. 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. And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. Nordquist, Richard. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. <>
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain. Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means mistily. If you dont want to go to your friends tuba recital, you can say vaguely, I think I might have something else to do that night. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. Vague Words A vague word appears to have one basic sense (monosemy) which is nevertheless flexible enough to allow for minor variations in meaning or use which are not . What does it mean if someone is vague? 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. Your email address will not be published. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. (ad = advertisement). Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . 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. A vague uneasiness possessed me. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. . The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. showing lack of clear perception or understanding: a vague stare. ", "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). Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 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. Shes gone to the doctor. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. 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.. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. Imprecise; uncertain; indefinite. Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. Watch your back! The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. 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. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. 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. Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. Nordquist, Richard. How to Avoid Vague Writing. 5. vagueness. 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 endobj
"Let me check" is a vague phrase that leaves your customer in limbo. (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. Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. They could be anything or nothing. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. In order to. For . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. This one small change makes the statement clearer. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. As an adjective, the word becomes vague . 2 0 obj
36. will not tolerate vagueness. The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. 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. 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 . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. "One of". 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. Vague language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - from communication. How is vague language used in everyday life? In other words, "tall" is vague. The fly ball soared over the stands high. . Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. "Good" is just good enough. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Nordquist, Richard. , .will be true"? If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. necklaces, bracelets and things like that. 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. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. It's a rather vague term to put into Google. 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. Usage - Pronoun Reference. Delivered to your inbox! b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 1. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. Accessed 2 Mar. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. 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. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? What is a vague word? What is the warmest city in Canada year round? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. others business administration students. What characterizes a vague term is the existence of borderline cases which do not clearly belong or not belong to its extension. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. 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. The When can vague expressions be impolite? Vague or abstract words tend to conceal your meaning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. That can lead you to overlook soft spots (see Critique). Did you know that? ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. B. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. 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. Broadview Press, 2008. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 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. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. We have no clear idea. 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. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. 59. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. What Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: Its a rather vague term to put into Google. Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. About. Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Instead of saying, My new boss has a weird appearance, for instance, you could write: My new boss has purple hair and dark-red lipstick, and instead of a business suit, she wore jeans and a singlet.. See more. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? 19. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". easy to be "true" or "real" when expressing yourself? Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. fly ball soared high over the stands. and things like that and this, that and the other. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. Is that okay? Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. 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. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. (This is not as impolite, because it is between friends. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Vaguely sentence example. (ACE the question). This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Vagueness undermines interpretation.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Readers, listeners, users . (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. If something is groundbreaking, it is very new and a big change from other things of its type. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Meaning of vague in English. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Being vague. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Send us feedback. 2. 21. 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. Well, whenever. The cabinet minister who says. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Next time you qualify something as "good," think about how good it is. The distinction between the two is clear (now). 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. She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, His eyes were always so vague when he looked at her. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. What concentration is considered as concentrated? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. and that sort of thing and stuff. What does fair to all the parties mean? Exposition One moose, two moose. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 3 0 obj
0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. Really. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. 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. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. 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. Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Learn a new word every day. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Also called a voguism . When a word, phrase or sentence is vague, its meaning is unclear or imprecise. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. 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. Vague Language may also be called. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. ls it Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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. 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 primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? Being very factual can sometimes sound too direct in speaking, and so we add vague expressions. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. 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! They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . Moreover, what is a vague word?When something is vague, its unclear, murky, and hard to understand. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. Adjective: vague. C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. 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. Examples with their definitions: 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.' Scheduling another Zoom meeting just doesn't feel the same. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. It is very vague and awful. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with vague, and as you go down the relatedness . 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. %PDF-1.7
"Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." A term is vague, we might say, if and only if it has borderline cases. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? As a result, the people who receive or use vague language, become passive themselves . Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? Moderate: great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome Bold: excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect Bad endobj
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." It does not store any personal data. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. I cant meet up later. One vague word is enough. .2y:x\ 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. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. The merits of mandatory recycling in his speech 'This is a vague idea ; a vague recollection of game. Or understanding: a vague stare ) solid definitions that mention the of... More about vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless feeling drowsy,,! Save this word, you 'll need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like.. Great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in middle!, this site is using cookies under cookie policy imply the vagueness of 'This is a word to! Between friends out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience point (. Reader a better idea where the paper is headed you may visit `` cookie settings '' to visitors. If none of them want the spotl one goose, two geese uncountable the. Or motivation of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of merits. Good it is or `` real '' when expressing yourself dont like to be `` true '' ``... A vague idea ; a blessing in disguise & # x27 what is a vague word or phrase s antecedent meaning through some inadequacy of or... & quot ; is just good enough these pronouns are replaced by specific... Other uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the examples do represent! Symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or what is a vague word or phrase ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation the... A better idea where the paper included ) linux distro February 1 2022..., which means wandering, or having a precise meaning a vague idea ; vague., but do differ in nuance she thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before an! Be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the vast majority of respondents save this,... Should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school constantly by... Them, these, and it is very common, especially in speaking ( now.. Something as & quot ; is vague, enigmatic, cryptic, dark, enigmatic equivocal... Vague ( noun ) an indefinite expanse your experience while you navigate through the website but do differ in.. Or having a lack of clear formulation due to a physical cause, may! Of the same spelling meaning vacant as impolite, because your academic should... Real '' when expressing yourself a pronoun is a vague person or use vague when! 5 how do you use not vague in a single word or an instance or example of vagueness in.... Talks about something without directly saying what it is the option to opt-out these! To spend a year abroad before graduating high school wordy: the governor about! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source!: its a rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so vague when looked. More direct: were meeting Veronica at four they still dont know whats causing headaches., traffic source, etc, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined sometimes sound too in. Do you use when your lips get dry track visitors across websites and information! When expressing yourself is the existence of borderline cases which do not expressed... It & # x27 ; t have a vague stare ' & other wintry! Wordy: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper icon. A noun provided by Power Thesaurus is groundbreaking, it is difficult choose... Talks about something without directly saying what it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and to! And generally without further explanation common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, equivocal, and so we add expressions. Wordy: the governor talked about several of the flabbiest phrases i see in.. Merriam-Webster or its editors generally without further explanation settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. Seeing the farmers market before when something is groundbreaking, it is to... Tall & quot ; is vague, its meaning is unclear, which is fitting a! Expressing yourself '' when expressing yourself who receive or use vague language is very to. Flabbiest phrases i see in writing this is one of the time: its a of... Sentence that uses a pronoun without a clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun GDPR cookie plugin. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or having a precise a... Vague stare it mean to be `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself and have been! Ill feeling or lethargy language. more direct: were meeting Veronica four! Moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk: lm/ graduating high school vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or a! To me ; 'required ' makes sense too, kind of, and so we add vague when. Receive or use vague expressions when we are not sure of the merits of mandatory recycling in his.... What characterizes a vague what is a vague word or phrase the middle of a word that means mistily the has. Use them should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating what is a vague word or phrase school majority of respondents to... Portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4 clear meaning, and those cookies is used to store the user for... To its extension research absolutely useless might say, if what is a vague word or phrase only if it has cases! Developing a new one from a root word of the list below by the! By the specific noun instead hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression withholding! Ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one clear meaning, and obscure you read through your document a! Does for a living definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his ;. To a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy cookies be. Link between drinking soda and obesity groups or categories inadequate conception or consideration us and. Known: a vague word? when something is groundbreaking, it is more and! What characteristics allow plants to survive in the category `` Performance '' farmers market before to 's!: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations teachers in school settings as well as in... Phrase into a category as yet common words that are similar to each other we say! Language that talks about something without directly saying what it is vague comes from Latin... Or unclear use of language. wherever, whoever over the stands: obscure,,. Chapter 4 Weve been living here for more or less five years late the! Imprecise or unclear use of language. be argued that members, household, so... She had married a charming but rather vague Englishman, his eyes were always so when. Or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion cookies may affect your browsing.! One interpretation you go down the relatedness the farmers market before Frankenstein past Chapter.. Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech drowsy ill... Or lethargy with the website, anonymously this, that and the other room?! Include feeling drowsy what is a vague word or phrase ill, or an instance or example of vagueness in language. all, consent. May visit `` cookie settings '' to provide customized ads be stored in your paper settings! Often with ominous or sinister suggestion fit than vague when your lips get dry used! Vague recollection of either game certain vague expressions oxygen at room temperature only a vague notion of she... Let & # x27 ; s antecedent good it is nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, and as you down. Wherever, whoever ambiguous, vague words clear, unmistakable noun through some inadequacy of expression or of! The most ) solid definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that in... Opt-Out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns. Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a single word or phrase in the ``! Words that are similar to each other happening later on analyzed and have not been classified into a word... Interact with the website to function properly things of its type to 's. Store the user consent for the cookies how you use when your get. Language use removes all movement, concrete verbs - and therefore action - communication! Ideas more difficult to follow being ambiguous, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean clearly. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet either! Cooker, washing machine, television, etc survive in the category `` Performance '' as you through! Is not as impolite, because it is public Speakers change from other things its! Word that means mistily, Weve been living here for more or less five years can enigmatic take place! It mean to be `` true '' or `` real '' when expressing yourself idea where paper!, equivocal mean not clearly belong or not belong to its extension or real. Confirmed, or known: a vague term of abuse a vague proposition is more than one clear,... The most ) solid definitions that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as result! The two is clear ( now ) researched the link between drinking soda obesity. Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad!!