Ambiguity: meaning, definitions and examples
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ambiguity
[ ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti ]
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.
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.
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
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
Word origin
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.