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ambiguity
/ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ə.ti/
uncertainty in meaning
The ambiguity in the contract left both parties unsure about their obligations.
The unclear wording in the contract caused confusion about what each side had to do.
formal
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
The poet's use of ambiguity makes the poem rich with possible meanings.
The poet's deliberate lack of clarity invites multiple interpretations.
Legal documents must avoid ambiguity to prevent disputes.
Legal texts need precise language to ensure no room for different understandings.
Ambiguity can be intentional (e.g., in literature) or unintentional (e.g., in poorly written instructions).
Collocations
linguistic ambiguityuncertainty in language meaningresolve ambiguityclarify or interpret unclear meaningavoid ambiguityuse clear language to prevent confusion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Identifying ambiguity
Look for words with multiple meanings (e.g., 'bank' as a financial institution or river edge), vague pronouns (e.g., 'they' without clear reference), or poorly defined terms in instructions.
Gold Rule
Clarity over ambiguity
In professional or technical contexts, prioritize precision to prevent misunderstandings. Use synonyms, rephrase, or add context to resolve ambiguity.
Word Origin
From Latin *ambiguitas*, from *ambiguus* ('uncertain, doubtful'), derived from *ambigere* ('to hesitate, dispute'), from *ambi-* ('both') + *agere* ('to drive').
Usage Notes
Ambiguity is often used in literature, law, and communication to create depth or avoid commitment. In technical writing, it is generally avoided for clarity.
Word Breakdown
ambi-
both
prefix-gu-
drive, act
root-ity
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary