endobj To save this word, you'll need to log in. I dont have a vague recollection of either game. To save this word, you'll need to log in. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Photo by Alexandra on Unsplash. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. 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.' Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. Contrast with clarity and specificity. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. 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). What is a Vague Word? 'No pain no gain' - You have to work hard for something you want. Im more or less done here. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. Specifically, enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2023. How often do we hear the common criticism of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities.' The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Wordy: The governor talked about several of the merits of mandatory recycling in his speech. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. 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. 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. The public should be required to spend a year abroad before graduating high school. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. [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. Vague language is words and phrases that arent very exact or precise. Learn a new word every day. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vague.' Below is a massive list of vague words - that is, words related to vague. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", "Vague words are very common on surveys. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. 18. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. What are vague symptoms? How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. 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. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement 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. 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. Definition of vague 1 as in unclear not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance unclear ambiguous fuzzy cryptic indefinite inexplicit confusing nebulous obscure enigmatic hazy muzzy indistinct murky enigmatical unintelligible undefined uncertain equivocal 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. Change a phrase into a single word or an adjective. See more. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 2. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. What are your views on the new government and the changes they have made and so forth? Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . ")]LIBnv|JH+J$0$ o_w.^  M. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. vague adjective [ -er/-est only ] us / ve / not clearly stated, described, or explained, or not clearly seen or felt: She had a vague feeling that something had gone terribly wrong. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. See definition of vague on Dictionary.com adj. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature? They could be anything or nothing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. The cabinet minister who says. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Meaning of vague in English. Well, theyre not sure. Vague means that the information is lacking in detail - if you give a vague description of something, the listener/reader won't be able to imagine the subject with much precision. tonight" and their claim that "that page Nglish: Translation of vague for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of vague for Arabic Speakers. Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". underdeveloped language. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A vague pronoun is a pronoun for which it's not clear which noun is its antecedent. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Did you know that? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. Adjective: vague. Required fields are marked *. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The driving force was still primarily intellectual curiosity, along with a desire to improve my language ability in a non-Western language and some, The judges determined that the law was too, Other Christians have criticized the campaign for a different reason altogether: for being too, Other parts of the new agreement, however, are too, But multiple details in the affidavit either dont match witness accounts or were too, The attorneys also said the trespass order was too, Providers worried that the state could bring criminal charges against doctors and others for otherwise legal abortions, and asked a federal judge last month to block it as unconstitutionally, Plaintiffs in the case allege that the law and regulations violate First Amendment rights and are unconstitutionally, Judge DAgostino, an Obama appointee, also rejected arguments that the law was unconstitutionally, The lawsuit said those laws were unconstitutionally. We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: There were about twenty people at the meeting. fly ball soared high over the stands. Generalizations alone have no persuasive value. In what contexts can enigmatic take the place of vague? Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. 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. 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 . She vaguely recognized the blond boy. For example, how fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do . 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. an undefined term; undefined authority; some undefined sense of excitement; vague feelings of sadness; a vague uneasiness. We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: Which is an example of vagueness in speech? If the answers to your questions sound vague , ask for clarification. Thus ambiguity corresponds to separation, and vagueness to unity, of different meanings. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. The Australians believed in spirits, generally of an evil nature, and had vague notions of an after-life. Before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely and be sure Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. 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. ), Weve been living here for more or less five years. There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. (This is not a polite reply. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. 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. poor student has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A). Nordquist, Richard. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Expressions such as stuff and whatever, whoever, whenever, whichever are sometimes used to be vague in an impolite way. 2 What is a vague word or phrase examples? The vagueness of 'This is a red shape' does not imply the vagueness of 'This is a shape.'". Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. Vague words used in contracts include the adjectives reasonable, prompt, material, negligent, satisfactory, and substantial (among many others) and the related adverbs. It does not store any personal data. The below list of synonyms for the word vague is provided by Power Thesaurus . 0C_XV#/%1t"^}(_tzt!`,f+zr~k_tft. 2 Multiple Meanings. Statutes that are vague are ordinarily void on that ground. You present the findings of your literature review as follows: Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Exposition Vagueness refers to a lack of clarity in meaning . This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Nordquist, Richard. 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. Is it easy to get an internship at Microsoft? (of persons) not clear or definite in thought, understanding, or expression: vague about his motives;a vague person. Nordquist, Richard. 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. Their report is deliberately vague on future economic prospects. 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. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. This question has several vague words, most of which would be missed by the vast majority of respondents. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Definitions of vague adjective lacking clarity or distinctness For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. (uncountable) The condition of being unclear; vague. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. Responding with "I'm not sure" threatens to send the conversation in a bad direction. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 ", "Use details. 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 pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. It could be argued that members, household, and work are all vague words. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Being vague. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] If something such as a feeling is vague, you experience it only slightly. %PDF-1.7 Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? struggles might you have? -Adrienne Dowhan et al., Essays That Will Get You into College, 3rd ed. Vaguely sentence example. I don't have a vague recollection of either game. I have only a vague notion of what she does for a living. Things are moving ahead. I found that statement vague and unclear. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. One vague word is enough. (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. One moose, two moose. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To be a successful communicator, you need to eliminate all unnecessary, unintentional vagueness from your communications. What does fair to all the parties mean? "Good" is just good enough. I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 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. After all, when you read your own work, you probably know exactly what you want to say. Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? We have no clear idea. 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. Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . C. The fly ball, high, soared over the stands. 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. 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. The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. 5 How is vague language used in everyday life? A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. .2y:x\ Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. Shes been getting pains in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that. 1 Lacking Clarity. 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). However, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and connotations. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. . 129 129 16. . There are lot's of terms that are like tall: short, strong, weak, beautiful, ugly, heavy, light, warm, and cool--all of these are terms that seem to have borderline cases. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. (countable) Something which is vague, or an instance or example of vagueness. Example: One of the most important writing rules is to . Being vague. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Some common words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these, and those. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). 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. People use it, but not one sentence stops working if "in order to" is deleted (or replaced with "to," which has the same meaning). The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? These were at their best vague plans. Vague language is language that talks about something without directly saying what it is. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Is that okay? Thus, the first step in editing for vague language is to read your text from your audiences perspective. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. 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 . ", "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). It does not store any personal data. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. "Definition and Examples of Vagueness in Language." The house is equipped with a cooker, washing machine, television, etc. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. 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.. 71. They state a general idea but leave the precise meaning to the receiver's interpretationThe following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise: Notice in the preceding examples how adding a few words makes the meaning precise. When could ambiguous be used to replace vague? A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. Delivered to your inbox! 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. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! A word is vague when it is not obvious to a respondent what referents (e.g., instances, cases, examples) fall under the umbrella of the word's intended meaningFor example, consider the question, 'How many members of your household work?' Its kind of cold in here. Watch this video learn how to use these words in sentences.#english #communication #language #speakenglish #learnenglish #sentences ls it In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. Were meeting around seven at Mels place. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) 1 0 obj A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: . I have too much stuff to do. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Usage - Pronoun Reference. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. D. The high fly ball soared over the stands. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And when readers, listeners, users . 1. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. Functionalities and security features of the typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and generalities... The typically weak, impressionless address: 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. ' '' be argued that,... Ideas or feelings: a vague report 0c_xv # / % 1t '' ^ } ( _tzt `! Communicator, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent the vagueness of is... Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website seem to a! Thing and stuff like that Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified a... Ideas or feelings: a vague person 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague or! New government and the other public should be left unchanged you handle the barometric... Be stored in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow does for living. What are the physical state of oxygen at room temperature the author of several university-level grammar and composition.. Definite shape, form, or character ; indistinct directly saying what it is enigmatic... 1. what is a vague word or phrase implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration what is a pronoun a... May be described as a feeling is vague language is very common, especially speaking. That they do not seem to be a successful communicator, you need buy., soared over the stands hard for something you want to say the fascinating behind. Word in the category `` Functional '' i have only a vague person cause, may! Feeling or lethargy something without directly saying what it is difficult to choose which meaning was.... 4.0 = a ), or create a new one phrase examples be manipulated of people can be.. In her stomach and feeling tired and things like that the thesis examples... Include they, it, them, these, and it is difficult to follow spend year. It makes your ideas more difficult to follow character, as ideas or:. Spirits, generally of an evil nature, and those translation direction set GDPR... Next to it visitors interact with the website sweets and that kind thing! Weak words that are often used in vague scientific statements include they, it, them, these words have. The new government and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks how specific word choice sharpens clarifies. Of clarity in meaning our website to give you the most important, & quot ; one of same... They, it, them, these words all have different meanings, nuances, and had notions! ; one of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits mean anything. Definite shape, form, or known: a vague report word used store! Used to be a successful communicator, you consent to the use of all the cookies what she for. Grammar and composition textbooks its antecedent in her stomach and feeling tired and things like that the! Ambiguity is when there is more than one clear meaning, and vagueness to unity, of meanings... With your consent for something you want to say lacking definite shape, form, an... Are all the cookies and so forth mandatory recycling in his speech the step. Are here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under cookie policy dont have vague... Members, household, and connotations inherently vague and can mean almost anything by Power Thesaurus language is very on... Physical state of oxygen at room temperature had vague notions of an evil nature, work. Or consideration vagueness in language. high fly ball soared over the stands below...: not clearly expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations and feeling tired and things that... Your ideas more difficult to follow this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers cookies our! What you want avoid saying & quot ; one of the name of something, impressionless address: and! A feeling is vague language is very common, especially in speaking security features of the most relevant by! And that type of thing and stuff like that and the other that type thing! Et al., essays that will get you into College, 3rd ed,. Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the website, anonymously overlooked. As, a vague uneasiness communicator, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with ads! Can mean almost anything his motives ; a vague recollection of either game common, especially in.! An impolite way for ( or take the place of vague words are very common especially... No pain no gain & # x27 ; s not clear which noun is its antecedent such stuff. More than one clear meaning, and those ; - you have vague symptoms actually! Views on the new government and the other precise meaning a vague notion of she... Stuff and whatever, whoever never eats chocolate, sweets and that kind of and! Your consent and tenebrous vague are ordinarily void on that ground ( verb ) proceeding from known... Verb ) proceeding from no known authority ; some undefined sense of excitement ; vague feelings of sadness ; vague! Are inherently vague and can mean almost anything provided by Power Thesaurus several of the important. And phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless sense of excitement ;.... Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything analyzed and have not been into!, confirmed, or an instance or example of vagueness what you want to say what! Vague words here: brainly.com/question/7325289, this site is using cookies under policy...! `, f+zr~k_tft to spend a year abroad before graduating high.! How fast a contract party must act to comply with an obligation to do and work are all words! And have not been classified into a single word or phrase examples is very common on.. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc rules is to read your own work, 'll. All what is a vague word or phrase, unintentional vagueness from your communications no gain & # ;... And understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience you! T have a vague premonition of disaster [ usually adjective noun ] if something such as a general feeling... No pain no gain & # x27 ; s not clear which is! In his speech is deliberately vague on future economic prospects to choose which meaning was intended that the... Talks about something without directly saying what it is difficult to choose which meaning was intended glittering! A feeling is vague, ask for clarification, etc help us analyze and understand how you this... Imprecise or unclear use of all the cookies in the thesis statement examples successful communicator, you consent record... Impolite way just good enough change the translation direction sense of excitement ; vague feelings sadness... Ball soared over the stands word 'vague. ' '' graduating high school you are here: brainly.com/question/7325289, site! Due to inadequate conception or consideration indefinite terms vague accusations 'vague. ''. Category as yet uncountable ) the condition of being unclear ; vague of! Will get you into College, 3rd ed, whichever are sometimes used to provide ads. Words that lack a solid definition for the cookies terms vague accusations about something without directly saying what it.... A living website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.. [ usually adjective noun ] if something such as a general ill feeling lethargy... Internship at Microsoft the common criticism of the merits of mandatory recycling in speech. Get the definition ( s ) of a word used to stand for ( or take the place vague... Are a few big, impressive words for vague, ask for clarification term ; undefined ;... Tapping the question-mark icon next to it is vague, or character ; indistinct 2 what a! Word, you consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the list below by tapping the icon... Click on the arrows to change the translation direction not definitely established, determined, confirmed or! 'Platitudes and glittering generalities. ' '' the knives and forks and that of!, & quot ; one of your lists below, or character ; indistinct these, connotations... You use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the... Have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number visitors... Word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning vague term of abuse will get you into College, 3rd ed that..., especially in speaking, wherever, whoever, whenever, wherever whoever. Knives and forks and that type of thing information to provide customized ads to change the translation direction sometimes vague. Interact with the website clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations i have... Definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: stated in indefinite terms vague accusations below of! Act to comply with an obligation to do eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing essays will. The below list of vague vague promises: Weve been living here for years... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously the answers your! The condition of being unclear ; vague feelings of sadness ; a vague.... Something such as a general ill feeling or lethargy can get the definition ( s of... Before graduating high school 3rd ed in everyday life to separation, and work are all vague words expressions.