Vagueness is a special case of indeterminacy—semantical indeterminacy. It may be indeterminate whether a sentence is true or false, indeterminate whether a term denotes a certain object, and indeterminate whether a given set is the extension of a certain predicate.
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What is difference between vagueness and ambiguity?
Ambiguity exists when a term can reasonably be interpreted in more than one way, for example, the word “bank” can refer to a financial institution or a riverside. Vagueness occurs when the boundaries of a word’s meaning are not well defined, as in the word “tall”5.
What is a vagueness mean?
not clearly expressed
1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. 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.
What are the differences between vague and ambiguous expressions?
Vague writing is that which is unclear to the audience. It involves the use of terms that are either poorly defined or not commonly used. On the other hand, ambiguous writing speaks of concepts that could have several different meanings without pinpointing what’s specifically being said.
What are examples of vagueness?
The following examples show vague or abstract words and ways to make them specific and precise:
- many – 1,000 or 500 to 1,000.
- early – 5 a.m.
- hot – 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- most – 89.9 percent.
- others – business administration students.
- poor student – has a 1.6 grade point average (4.0 = A)
- very rich – a millionaire.
What is the difference between ambiguity and vagueness quizlet?
vague word has blurry boundaries whereas ambiguity is imprecise because its unclear which of the two or more distinct meanings is the one intended by the author.
What is vagueness in semantics?
Vagueness is a variety of linguistic or conceptual indeterminacy. There are several ways in which language or thought can lack determinate limits besides being vague. These include ambiguity, inaccuracy, lack of specificity, generality, improbability, and others.
What is a vague statement?
If something written or spoken is vague, it does not explain or express things clearly.
What is an example of ambiguity?
Ambiguity definition
The definition of ambiguity is a word or sentence that is not clear about the intention or meaning. An example of ambiguity is when a person answers a question in a way that indicates he is not giving all of the details. Doubtfulness or uncertainty as regards interpretation.
What is an example of a vague sentence?
Vague sentence example. She rolled her eyes at the vague response. He was vague to say the least. I don’t have a vague recollection of either game.
What is meant by saying that a term is used ambiguously?
open to or having several possible meanings or interpretations; equivocal. an ambiguous answer.
What is the intensional meaning to words quizlet?
intensional definition. one that assigns a meaning to a word by indicating the qualities or attributes that the word connotes. at least 4 strategies may be used to indicate the attributes a word connotes, there are at least 4 kinds of intensional def. synonymous definition.
What is an example of vague language?
language that is not precise and therefore allows speakers not to commit themselves or not to sound too definite. ‘Loads of’, ‘that sort of thing’ , ‘stuff’ and ‘whatsit’ are all examples of vague language.
What is vagueness in a sentence?
Vagueness in a Sentence
2. Refusing to answer the detective’s questions in detail, the suspect’s vagueness made him look even more guilty. 3.
How do you identify vague words?
Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. They either have definitions that mention the lack of specificity or contain many definition entries that vary in meaning (slang not included). Strong words have one or two (three at the most) solid definitions that are similar to each other.
Can a word be both vague and ambiguous?
And this last example, “cool” can be used to illustrate the fact that the same term can be both vague and ambiguous in the same context. If I say, “Bring me a cool drink!”, my utterance may be both ambiguous–do I mean fashionable or coldish?–
How do you avoid ambiguity and vagueness?
9 Tips To Avoid Ambiguity
- Write Explicit Requirements. …
- Would and Should Must Be Avoided. …
- Be Careful With Adverbs. …
- Absolute Modifiers Add Clarity. …
- Use Pronouns Carefully. …
- Write Using Consistent Terms. …
- Avoid Abbreviation Altogether. …
- Short Sentences and a Clear Layout.
What is the synonyms of vague?
Some common synonyms of vague are ambiguous, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, equivocal, and obscure. While all these words mean “not clearly understandable,” vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.
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