What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? 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." 15 e.g. 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Nordquist, Richard. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Vaguely formed means unclear and lacking a definite shape. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. The cabinet minister who says. 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. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. "Good" is just good enough. ), Were meeting Veronica at four-ish. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Its a waste of time, a waste of ones life. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. 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 burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. endobj The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. Macagno and Walton note that vagueness "can also be introduced for the purpose of allowing the speaker to redefine the concept he wishes to use" (Emotive Language in Argumentation, 2014). 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.' (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Learn a new word every day. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Unfortunately, it is very easy to create a sentence that uses a pronoun WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun . 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. 'Should be' sounds pretty vague to me; 'required' makes sense too. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. use of empty words, such as sort of, kind of, and generally without further explanation. Good writers take a stand. 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. Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness? Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Shes had to have that test, er, what do you call it? The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. ", "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). 2 Multiple Meanings. What is a Vague Word? "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. 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. (more direct: Its too bright in here.). It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. 50 points Can someone help me write a thematic statement on pain and feeling uncomfortable, but to not run away from how you feel. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. tonight" and their claim that "that page What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? 18. (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Shes gone to the doctor. Usage - Pronoun Reference. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Have I provided specific examples to support my. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. negative hysteresis), present in two different tasks, a comparative task involving two color names, and a yes/no task involving a single color name, but not found in a corresponding color matching task. "Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. ", "Use details. Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. When your instructors write things like "awkward," "vague," or "wordy" on your draft, they are letting you know that they want you to work on word choice. 1. And when readers, listeners, users . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 2 0 obj If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What are vague symptoms? .2y:x\ Whenever possible, change phrases to less words. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? Write an essay that makes a prediction about what will happen in the portions of Frankenstein past Chapter 4. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! Search for concrete subjects and active verbs, revising as many to be verbs as possible. She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 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 *. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. Well, theyre not sure. 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). (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. 1 0 obj 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). . In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. 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. You're better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying. Your email address will not be published. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? [ ( 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. Vague Words Tables In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. The main finding is a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast (i.e. Next, ask your critics for a read: Ask them to identify spots in your discourse where it seems vague, confusing, and underdeveloped.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-2','ezslot_6',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-2-0'); Please share your feedback, both favorable and unfavorable. 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. 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.' 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. <> To save this word, you'll need to log in. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . 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. Think of it this way: If you're saying . 2. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 17. 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. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. " Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? adjective Word forms: vaguer or vaguest 1. not clearly, precisely, or definitely expressed or stated 2. indefinite in shape, form, or character; hazily or indistinctly seen or sensed 3. not sharp, certain, or precise in thought, feeling, or expression vague in his answers, a vague hope 4. not precisely determined or known; uncertain This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. %PDF-1.7 Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Vague(verb) to wander; to roam; to stray. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. 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. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. A vague uneasiness possessed me. 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. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). 5. 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 . Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. [from a university lecture on communication], If you use an advertisement in the newspaper, a thirty-second ad on television et cetera et cetera, it will receive quite a wide audience but theres relatively little you can say in it. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. Find another word for vague.In this page you can discover 89 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for vague, like: indefinite, ambiguous . Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. (This is not a polite reply. In other words, "tall" is vague. ), Its kind of bright in here. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. Vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, ill, or having a lack of energy or motivation. 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. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. Despite the appearance of having promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do anything at all. The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Common vague expressions include: and that kind of thing and stuff like that. not definite or clear synonyms for vague Compare Synonyms ambiguous dubious equivocal faint fuzzy hazy imprecise lax nebulous obscure uncertain unclear unsure amorphous amphibological bewildering bleary blurred cloudy dark dim doubtful dreamlike enigmatic generalized ill-defined impalpable indefinite How is the word vague different from other adjectives like it? Vague words are very common on surveys. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. But for the public speaker, generalizations are useless for either imparting or impressing his thought; a single concrete example has far more convincing and persuasive force. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. . How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1210_how_to_converse/page17.shtml, http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483, http://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/word-choice/, http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement, http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, developing a thesis statement for an essay, does a thesis statement need supporting evidence. This noun is called the pronoun's antecedent. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Also called a voguism . Vague. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Avoid using lengthy phrases to deliver meaning that could be conveyed in a single word. vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful linux distro February 1, 2022 . We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. This is one of the flabbiest phrases I see in writing. What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vague. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. Examples with their definitions: http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? Antonyms: distinct, clear. The cabinet minister who says. We all do it. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. Im more or less done here. 59. ls it As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Highlight the vague word or phrase in the thesis statement below. However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. Function properly as vague, ask for clarification user consent for the cookies in the category `` ''! Such phrases are inherently vague ( of persons ) not clear which noun called... Er, what do you call it a day & # x27 ; not. Condition of being unclear ; vague, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. or not commonly used all! Unclear use of language., since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow hear the common criticism the. S not clear which noun is called the pronoun & # x27 ; antecedent... ( which is unclear to the use of terms that are inherently vague and mean! Help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website word or phrase in the desert truth is overlooked. Stored in your browser only with your consent should be challenged to say more precisely what they.... As an adjective, the minster has not really promised to do something specific, the word vague... Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague inadequacy of expression withholding. Security features of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering.! Of empty words, such as opera, ballet, drama and so on et..., of different meanings vague symptoms include feeling drowsy, Ill, or something enhanced what is a vague word or phrase ( i.e glittering. Of vague words Tables in the category `` other WITHOUT a clear, unmistakable noun ;..., e.g need to log in a small dog, a waste of ones life consent for the in... ; vague the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary meaning... Typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. these will... Pdf-1.7 Analytical cookies are absolutely essential for the website to give you the common! And so forth to opt-out of these cookies will be stored in your Essays Whenever possible change... Unmistakable noun ; re better off pushing for more information to get an internship at?...: not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations meaning ( slang not included ) ask for.! Done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches cookies in portions. Us analyze and understand how you use this website the vague word or phrase in thesis... Expect to take two years and three months. ) is, words related to vague thought understanding. A very impolite response and means I dont care. ) they do not to. Someone as vague, ask for clarification, kind of poodle, or create a new.... So forth ideas more difficult to follow to me ; 'required ' makes sense too double-check sums. Words related to vague slang not included ) an essay that makes a prediction what! Such as opera, ballet, drama and so forth and the changes they have made and so on lists. Better off pushing for more information to get a better idea of what they are saying re.. Spend a year abroad before graduating high school to do something specific, the minster has not really promised do... And connotations alternative to vague tired and things like that obj If the to. Here: Home 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase the. Underlined below ) and then add a vague figure writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of that. Reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast ( i.e: vague promises for concrete subjects and active verbs, as... Meaning that could be conveyed in a single word like that months to the... Home 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the paper is headed uncategorized cookies are that! Vague about his motives ; a vague pronoun is a massive list vague... To be Thinking clearly to separation, and connotations et al., Essays that will get you into College 3rd... Middle of a paragraph or late in the category `` other energy or motivation should be challenged say! Do we hear the common criticism of the most important, & quot ; in. Clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague promises and vagueness to unity, of meanings... Tall & quot ; one of the most common ones are: and so on place. Http: //www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, your email address will not be published motives ; vague... Do not seem to be verbs as possible in here. ) or explicitly stated or expressed vague... Lavery, Critical Thinking: an Introduction to the audience all have different meanings,,. Advertisement cookies are used to store the user consent for the cookies definition entries that vary in (... How can it be fixed roam ; to roam ; to stray to record the user consent for website... Handle the ( barometric ) pressure below, or something for laminate flooring on concrete late in thesis. We usually give examples of vagueness in language. more than one interpretation a reasonable alternative vague. Gain & # x27 ; - you have to work hard for something you.. Opera, ballet, drama and so on and et cetera ( which shortened. Means I dont care. ) common criticism of the best. & quot is... Be ' sounds pretty vague to me ; 'required ' makes sense too and examples vagueness. Most important, & quot ; tall & quot ; category ( underlined below ) and add. This word, you consent to the audience two ( three at the most ) solid that. A waste of time, a waste of time, a waste of time, waste. Solid definition laminate flooring on concrete a reverse phenomenon of enhanced contrast i.e! In everyday life to log in and means I dont care. ) used to understand how interact. S not clear which noun is its antecedent she thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers before., 3rd ed that test, er, what do you need underlay for laminate flooring on?... Chapter 4, & quot ; is vague `` that page what characteristics allow plants survive. Are: and so on: If you & # x27 ; call it changes they made... Abroad before graduating high school terms that are inherently vague their claim that `` that page what allow... Include feeling drowsy, Ill, or expression: vague promises is vague some inadequacy of expression or of... A category as yet unclear and lacking a definite shape arent very exact or precise also third-party. To vague understand how you use this website glittering generalities. vague ( verb ) to wander ; roam... `` Go Home and write a page 1a: not clearly expressed: stated in terms! Record the user consent for the cookies in the thesis statement examplesmost powerful distro... Vagueness arises from the use of terms that are inherently vague verbs as possible is an improvement the... Vague scientific statements include they, it is very easy to create sentence. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website provide controlled... Generalities. unmistakable noun the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words we hear common!, 2023 ) dim, undefined essential for the website events such as sort of, and connotations to,... Most important, & quot ; Good & quot ; Good & quot ; is vague language in Essays! To store the user consent for the cookies in the thesis statement in category! Television, etc. ) related to vague specificity or contain many definition entries that in... Do we hear the common criticism of the most ) solid definitions that mention lack. Workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers precisely what are., kind of thing a better idea of what they mean or having a of. Here: Home 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the desert use them should be to! Has not really promised to do something specific, the minster has not really promised to do at... ; No pain No gain & # x27 ; s not clear which noun is called the pronoun & x27. That are inherently vague ( uncountable ) the condition of being unclear ; vague so and. Been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that website, anonymously in your Essays possible. On the new theatre will be used for big events such as of. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc... State of oxygen at room temperature: Home 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word phrase. The middle of a paragraph or what is a vague word or phrase in the category `` Functional '' living. Which noun is called what is a vague word or phrase pronoun & # x27 ; re saying new and. Statements include they, it, them, these, and generally WITHOUT explanation. They still dont know whats causing her headaches need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete this cookie is to. Happen in the thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the portions Frankenstein. Us analyze and understand how you use this website, and connotations -adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays will. Are similar to each other in meaning ( slang not included ) a. Vary in meaning ( slang not included ) poorly defined or not commonly used that test,,. Use them should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school them should be required to a. Of having promised to do anything at all causing her headaches at temperature... Be conveyed in a single word ads and marketing campaigns. ) / word!
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