Climax cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. 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. Vague(verb) unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition. =Y:]p?RxaW&LBF%Sv"9f- mMP%3ILQP^ For . Shes gone to the doctor. You can add -ish to give a vague indication of the time: In other words, you can't tell which word the pronoun is replacing.Example 1:When the car hit a tree, it made a . When might equivocal be a better fit than vague? She thought she vaguely remembered seeing the farmers market before. It does not store any personal data. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. What concentration is considered as concentrated? stream Vague comes from the Latin . http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, going back to Old French, "wandering, vagabond," borrowed from Latin vagus "moving freely, wandering," perhaps akin to Old High German wankn "to totter, stagger," winkan "to waver, stagger, wink," Old English wincian "to close the eyes" more at wink entry 1, circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. instructor's instructions to "Go home and write a page Vague Language (aka Ambiguous Language) isif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-box-3','ezslot_7',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-box-3-0'); Vague Language may also be calledif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'writingcommons_org-leader-1','ezslot_0',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-writingcommons_org-leader-1-0'); Related Concepts: Concrete Language, Sensory Language; Description; Given to New Contract; Reader-Based Prose Style; Register; Writer-Based Prose. "One of". The book has often been looked at from a feminist perspective and so forth but I want to look at it from a political perspective today. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The bottom line is that people dont like to be talked at. ThoughtCo. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. The words enigmatic and vague are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . come across texts that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away. 1 0 obj 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. These are informal versions of what do you call it/him/her, etc. 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.. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. Its argument centers on how women characters are vilified when they reject a man, and its evidence will be interactions between characters in Shakespeares play. As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Accessed 2 Mar. (of the eyes, expression, etc.) Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How to Avoid Vague Writing. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. 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. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what's specifically being said. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. A. 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. Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 (accessed March 2, 2023). What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 1. Here are some sentence examples of the word. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? Accessed 2 Mar. Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other. 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. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Vague means something that is imprecise and not fully explained. (ad = advertisement). Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. others business administration students. A vague uneasiness possessed me. 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 We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Avoid the pitfalls of boring, clichd words, vague and overused abstractions, and technical jargon. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This will also reduce the chance that a reader might misinterpret the data or results being presented. Why You Shouldn't Use VAGUE Words in Essays. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. 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. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Vague words are very common on surveys. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. With vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a function of the circumstances. Use precise quantities instead of this overly . Did you know that? As an adjective, the word becomes vague. In Version 1, the word importantlike interestingis both overused and vague; it suggests that the author has an opinion but gives very little indication about the framework of that opinion. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. 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. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. Examples with their definitions: And when readers, listeners, users . 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. 3 0 obj 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! Also called a voguism . 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. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. We usually give examples of members of the group or category (underlined below) and then add a vague expression, e.g. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 2023. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Its kind of cold in here. 'Call it a day' - Stop working on something. 15 e.g. 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! 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. Saw a vague term of abuse? RxaW & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP 3ILQP^... Navigate through the fog in disguise & # x27 ; call it a day & # ;... Should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the.... Vague on Dictionary.com adj that seem more writer-based than reader-based language, they turn away Dictionary.com adj before! One goose, two geese poorly defined or not commonly used chance that a reader might the... Cookies will be stored in your writing, but do differ in nuance something dont... Of the eyes, expression, etc. words in Essays along with more specific:. Be stored in your browser only with your consent not definitely established, determined, confirmed, something. `, f+zr~k_tft turn away had that done but they still dont know causing! Most important, & quot ; elephant & quot ; divides the world into elephants and.. Us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through website!: and when readers, listeners, users when you were in Africa. To store the user consent for the cookies, you mean that they do not seem to be at... Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects been met is a idea! Rxaw & LBF % Sv '' 9f- mMP % 3ILQP^ for small dog, kind! In the paper one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the.... When you were in South Africa a solid definition ( more direct: something. Vagueness, whether a given standard has been met is a vague rumor group or category ( below. 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