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ambiguous
adjective
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ambiguous have the same meaning as unclear?
Ambiguous has, like many words in English, more than one possible meaning; a quality some might refer to as ambiguous itself. This word may mean "doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness," "capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways," and "inexplicable."
What is the difference between ambiguous and ambivalent?
The Latin prefix ambi- means "both," and has led to many people confusing ambiguous and ambivalent. Ambivalent refers to having mixed, contradictory, or more than one feeling about something (the second portion of this word comes from the Latin valere, "to be strong, be worth"). Ambiguous, on the other hand, means unclear or able to be understood in multiple ways (it comes in part from the Latin agere, meaning to drive").
What is the noun form of ambiguous?
Ambiguous_ is an adjective. The noun form related to this word may be either ambiguity or ambiguousness. The adverb is ambiguously.
Synonyms
obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable.
obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.
dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.
vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.
enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.
cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.
ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.
equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.
Examples of ambiguous in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ambiguous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin ambiguus "unresolved, hesitating in mind, of uncertain outcome, having more than one possible meaning, untrustworthy" (from ambigō, ambigere "to dispute, be undecided, call in question, be in doubt" —from amb- "around, about, on both sides" + agere "to drive [cattle], be in motion, do perform"— + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix) + -ous — more at ambient entry 1, agent
1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
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Cite this Entry
“Ambiguous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambiguous. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
ambiguous
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