Ambiguous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ambiguous

[æmˈbɪɡjuəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in communication

Open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning or unclear meaning.

Synonyms

equivocal, indefinite, unclear, vague.

Examples of usage

  • Her ambiguous response left everyone confused.
  • The ambiguous wording of the contract led to disputes between the parties.
Context #2 | Adjective

in behavior

Doubtful or uncertain because it can be understood in more than one way.

Synonyms

doubtful, equivocal, indecisive, uncertain, unclear.

Examples of usage

  • His ambiguous actions made it difficult to determine his true intentions.
  • The politician's statements were intentionally ambiguous to appeal to different groups.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Ambiguity can create uncertainty in decision-making, affecting how people perceive risks and make choices.
  • Studies show that individuals often prefer clear options over ambiguous ones, as uncertainty can lead to anxiety.

Literature

  • Ambiguous language is commonly used in poetry, allowing different interpretations and deeper meanings.
  • Many famous literary works, such as 'The Catcher in the Rye,' use ambiguity to reflect complex characters or themes.

Pop Culture

  • Ambiguity in film endings, like that of 'Inception', leaves audiences debating interpretations long after the movie ends.
  • Song lyrics often use ambiguous language, making them relatable to various experiences and emotions, like those by Bob Dylan.

Communication

  • In daily conversations, ambiguous phrases can lead to misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of clarity.
  • Humor often relies on ambiguity, where a joke can have multiple meanings, surprising the listener.

Origin of 'ambiguous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'having double meanings' or 'uncertain'.
  • In Old French, 'ambigü' also referred to things that were unclear or could be interpreted in more ways than one.

The word 'ambiguous' originated from the Latin word 'ambiguus', which means 'having double meaning'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'ambiguous' has been used to describe situations, statements, and actions that are open to interpretation or lack clarity.


Word Frequency Rank

At #7,178 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.