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Ambiguity: meaning, definitions and examples

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ambiguity

 

[ ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in communication

Ambiguity refers to a lack of clarity or uncertainty in meaning. It can arise when a word, phrase, or sentence can be interpreted in more than one way, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.

Synonyms

equivocality, uncertainty, vagueness

Examples of usage

  • His ambiguous statement left us unsure of what he meant.
  • The ambiguity of her answer made it difficult to understand her true intentions.
Context #2 | Noun

in literature

In literature, ambiguity can be used intentionally by writers to create depth and complexity in characters or plot. It adds richness to the text by allowing for multiple interpretations and engaging the reader in a deeper analysis.

Synonyms

ambivalence, enigma, obscurity

Examples of usage

  • The author's use of ambiguity in the ending left readers debating the true meaning of the story.
  • The ambiguity of the protagonist's motives kept the audience guessing until the final scene.
Context #3 | Noun

in decision-making

Ambiguity in decision-making refers to a situation where the available information is insufficient or unclear, making it challenging to make a confident choice. It can lead to hesitation, procrastination, or suboptimal outcomes.

Synonyms

confusion, doubt, unclearness

Examples of usage

  • The ambiguity of the data made it difficult for the team to reach a consensus.
  • Dealing with ambiguity is a crucial skill in effective decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "ambiguity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ambiguidade

🇮🇳 अस्पष्टता

🇩🇪 Mehrdeutigkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakjelasan

🇺🇦 двозначність

🇵🇱 dwuznaczność

🇯🇵 曖昧さ

🇫🇷 ambiguïté

🇪🇸 ambigüedad

🇹🇷 belirsizlik

🇰🇷 애매함

🇸🇦 غموض

🇨🇿 dvojznačnost

🇸🇰 dvojznačnosť

🇨🇳 模糊

🇸🇮 dvoumnost

🇮🇸 tvíræðni

🇰🇿 екіжақтылық

🇬🇪 ორაზროვნობა

🇦🇿 müəmmalıq

🇲🇽 ambigüedad

Etymology

The word 'ambiguity' originated from the Latin word 'ambiguitas', which means 'uncertainty' or 'doubt'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century and has been used to describe the state of having more than one possible meaning. Ambiguity plays a significant role in various fields such as communication, literature, and decision-making.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,821 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.