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Ambiguously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ambiguously

[æmˈbɪɡjʊəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that allows for more than one interpretation; not clearly defined or determined.

Synonyms

equivocally, uncertainly, vaguely.

Examples of usage

  • She answered ambiguously when asked about her future plans.
  • He spoke ambiguously, leaving us unsure of his true intentions.
  • The terms of the contract were written ambiguously, leading to misunderstandings.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is open to several possible meanings or interpretations.

Synonyms

cryptically, doubtfully, obscurely.

Examples of usage

  • The message was delivered ambiguously, causing confusion among the audience.
  • Her actions were interpreted ambiguously by different people.
  • He communicated ambiguously, making it hard to understand his message.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Authors often use ambiguity to create layers in stories, inviting readers to interpret events in different ways.
  • Many famous poems incorporate ambiguous lines, allowing readers to derive personal meanings.
  • In literature, ambiguity can reflect real-life complexities, making characters and situations feel more realistic.

Psychology

  • Ambiguous situations can trigger a range of emotional responses, from confusion to curiosity, influencing decision-making.
  • Cognitive psychologists study how people resolve ambiguity, often leading to interesting insights about perception and reasoning.
  • An ambiguous message can lead to misunderstandings, showing the importance of clear communication in human interactions.

Communication

  • In everyday conversations, vague statements can lead to misinterpretations, showcasing the need for clarity.
  • Ambiguity plays a role in humor, as jokes often hinge on double meanings or unclear phrasing.
  • In advertising, ambiguous marketing messages can attract attention by intriguing potential customers.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions often revolve around ambiguity, particularly in debates over morality and ethics.
  • Many philosophical texts deliberately use ambiguous language to challenge readers and provoke thought.
  • Theories on ambiguity examine how language shapes our understanding of truth and reality.

Origin of 'ambiguously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ambiguus', which means 'uncertain' or 'perplexing'.
  • It entered the English language in the 16th century, originally used to describe unclear or vague language.
  • The prefix 'ambi-' means 'both', hinting that something can have two or more meanings.

The word 'ambiguously' is derived from the adjective 'ambiguous', which comes from the Latin word 'ambigere' meaning 'to go about'. The term 'ambiguous' has been used in English since the 16th century to describe something that can be understood in more than one way. Over time, the adverb 'ambiguously' was formed to describe actions or communication that are not clearly defined or determined.

See also: unambiguous, unambiguously.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,169, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.