nonvague

Nonvague is an adjective used to describe language, descriptions, or concepts that avoid vagueness and have clearly defined boundaries or criteria. It is formed by the prefix non- added to vague. The term is not widely codified in major dictionaries, but it appears in discussions of semantics, logic, and communication to distinguish between imprecise and precise expressions.

Usage is common in philosophy and linguistics, where nonvague terms aim to have determinate reference and truth conditions. For example, mathematical definitions, measurement readings, or formal predicates are typically considered nonvague. By contrast, natural language often contains vague expressions like tall, near, or large, which lack sharp boundaries.

In practice, nonvague language is valued in fields requiring clear criteria, such as science, law, and computer programming. However, some theorists argue that all natural language contains some vagueness, and the goal of making language nonvague may be impractical or undesirable for expressive flexibility.

Examples illustrate the distinction. “The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius at one atmosphere” is nonvague given the specified context. “This box is heavy” is vague until quantified, e.g., “This box weighs more than 20 kilograms.”

Relationship to other concepts places nonvague language in opposition to vague expressions and in alignment with crisp logic and formal specification. It contrasts with fuzzy logic, where membership is graded rather than binary.

Criticism notes that achieving complete nonvagueness across all domains is challenging, and some ambiguity can be productive for interpretation and discourse. See also vagueness, precision, crisp logic, precise definition, fuzzy logic.