Ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
Definitions
Having more than one possible meaning or interpretation.
/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
His statement was deliberately ambiguous.
💡 Simply: Having a meaning that is unclear or uncertain.
More Examples
The instructions were so ambiguous that we didn't know what to do.
How It's Used
"The contract's ambiguous wording led to a dispute."
"The poet's use of ambiguous imagery added depth to the poem."
From Latin *ambiguus, from *ambigere "to wander about, be undecided", from *am "on both sides" + *agere "to drive, lead". The word reflects the sense of being open to multiple interpretations.
The word has been used in a similar sense since its adoption from Latin, often in contexts where uncertainty or deception is present.
Memory tip
Think of 'ambi' (both) and 'guous' (leading) - leading to both interpretations.