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Ambiguity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ambiguity

[หŒรฆmbษชหˆษกjuหษชti ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ambiguity

This word is used when something can be interpreted in more than one way or is unclear because it has multiple meanings.

  • The ambiguity in his statement left everyone confused.
  • Legal documents should avoid ambiguity to prevent misinterpretation.
uncertainty

This word is used when there is a lack of definite knowledge or assuredness about something.

  • The uncertainty about the weather made planning the trip difficult.
  • Investment markets are often affected by political uncertainty.
vagueness

Vagueness is used when something lacks clear definition or is too general to be understood precisely. It often has a slightly negative connotation.

  • His vagueness about the project's deadlines led to delays.
  • The instructions were criticized for their vagueness.
equivocality

Equivocality is used when something is deliberately unclear or vague, often to mislead or avoid giving a direct answer.

  • The politician's equivocality made it hard to understand his true intentions.
  • His equivocality during the interview raised suspicions about his honesty.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ambiguity

Used when there is more than one possible meaning or interpretation, leaving things unclear.

  • The contract's ambiguity left both parties confused.
  • Her answer was filled with ambiguity, leaving everyone unsure of her true feelings.
ambivalence

Used when someone has mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone.

  • He felt ambivalence towards his new job, excited for the opportunity but sad to leave his old team.
  • Her ambivalence about the relationship was evident in her indecision.
obscurity

Used to describe something that is not well known or something difficult to understand due to vagueness or complexity.

  • The philosopher's theories not only led him to obscurity but also made his work difficult to decipher.
  • The band rose from obscurity to fame in just a few months.
enigma

Used to describe something or someone that is mysterious and difficult to understand.

  • The ancient manuscript remained an enigma to scholars.
  • He was an enigma, never revealing his true thoughts or intentions.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ambiguity

Use this word when there is a situation or statement that can have more than one meaning or interpretation. It's often used in literature, law, and everyday conversations.

  • The ambiguity in her statement made it hard to know what she really meant.
  • Legal documents should be written clearly to avoid ambiguity.
doubt

Typically used when someone lacks confidence in something or someone, or when questioning the truth or reliability. It can be used in personal feelings, scientific inquiries, and skepticism.

  • She had serious doubts about the success of the project.
  • I doubt we will finish on time.
confusion

This word applies when someone feels uncertain or lacks understanding about something. It's often used in everyday life, education, and problem-solving scenarios.

  • There was some confusion about the meeting time.
  • His explanation only added to my confusion.
unclearness

Use this word to describe a lack of clarity or when something is not easy to understand. It can be used in describing visual, auditory, or conceptual elements.

  • The unclearness of the instructions caused many mistakes.
  • There was an unclearness in the image that made it difficult to identify.

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

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often study ambiguity to understand how language can shape our perception of reality.
  • In ethics, ambiguity in language can lead to differing interpretations of moral dilemmas.

Literature

  • Authors use ambiguity to create suspense or invite readers to explore multiple interpretations.
  • Famous works, like Shakespeare's plays, often include ambiguous language to engage audiences in deeper analysis.

Communication

  • In everyday conversations, ambiguous statements can lead to misunderstandings or unexpected humor.
  • Sales and marketing often benefit from ambiguity to create intrigue around a product, allowing for varied interpretations.

Cognitive Science

  • Studies show that ambiguous words can activate different neural pathways, reflecting the complexity of human thought.
  • People tend to prefer ambiguous situations when making decisions as it allows for flexibility and adaptability.

Origin of 'ambiguity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ambiguitas', meaning 'doubt' or 'uncertainty'.
  • In Latin, 'ambigere' means 'to waver' or 'to be in doubt', highlighting the core of confusion.

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.