Ambiguity
/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/
Definitions
The state of having more than one possible meaning or interpretation.
/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/
Uncertainty of meaning
The ambiguity of his response left me confused.
💡 Simply: When something is unclear or can be understood in more than one way.
More Examples
The lawyer exploited the ambiguity in the wording of the contract.
How It's Used
"The ambiguity of the poem's ending left readers debating its true meaning."
"The ambiguity in the contract led to a lengthy legal battle."
From Latin ambiguitas, from ambiguus "doubtful, uncertain", from ambi- "both, around" + -agere "to do, act, drive". It reflects the sense of having two or more possible meanings.
The word has been used in similar senses since the 16th century, reflecting ongoing challenges in communication and interpretation.
Memory tip
Think of 'ambi' (both) and 'guous' (going), suggesting a word going in two directions of meaning.
Word Origin
"both, around + to do, act, drive"