Looking up...
ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
open to more than one interpretation
The ending of the movie was ambiguous, leaving viewers to debate what really happened.
The unclear ending made people argue about the true meaning.
formal
having a double meaning; open to interpretation
Her ambiguous reply made it unclear whether she agreed or disagreed.
Her unclear answer did not reveal her true opinion.
The contract's ambiguous wording led to a legal dispute.
The unclear phrasing in the contract caused arguments.
Often used in legal, literary, or technical contexts to describe unclear statements.
Collocations
ambiguous statementa statement that can be understood in multiple waysambiguous instructionsinstructions that lack clarity or precisionambiguous situationa situation with unclear facts or outcomes
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid ambiguity in writing
Use specific details and clear phrasing to prevent misinterpretation. For example, instead of 'She was ambiguous about the plan,' write 'She neither agreed nor disagreed with the plan.'
Gold Rule
Ambiguous vs. Ambivalent
'Ambiguous' refers to something unclear or open to interpretation. 'Ambivalent' describes mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone.
Word Origin
From Latin *ambigere* (to dispute, hesitate), from *ambi-* (both) + *agere* (to drive). The word entered English in the late 16th century, originally in the sense of 'doubtful' or 'undecided'.
Usage Notes
Avoid using 'ambiguous' to describe people; use 'ambivalent' instead. 'Ambiguous' describes things (words, situations), while 'ambivalent' describes feelings or attitudes.
Word Breakdown
ambi-
both
prefix-guous
to drive
root (from Latin *agere*)English Dictionary