Ambiguous definition Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈæmbɪgʊəs/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

An ambiguous definition is a statement or description that can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. This term refers to the unclear or uncertain meaning of a word, phrase, or concept, making it difficult to understand or define with precision.

Examples

1. “The instructions were unclear, leaving us with an ambiguous understanding of the task.”

2. “The politician’s statement was criticized for its ambiguous language, which some saw as evasive.”

Synonyms

1. Unclear

2. Vague

3. Enigmatic

Antonyms

1. Clear

2. Precise

3. Unambiguous

Etymology

The term “ambiguous” comes from the Latin “ambigus,” meaning “twofold” or “ambiguous.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe something that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Usage Notes

The word “ambiguous” is often used in academic, scientific, and technical contexts, where precision and clarity are essential. It can also be used in everyday conversation to describe something that is unclear or open to multiple interpretations.

Cultural References

The concept of ambiguity has been explored in various forms of art, literature, and philosophy. For example, the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger features a protagonist struggling with ambiguous feelings and relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

The phrase “on the other hand” is often used to juxtapose two ambiguous ideas or perspectives.

“Furthermore,” is another phrase that can be used to add ambiguity to a statement or argument.

Collocations

1. “Life is uncertain, but death is ambiguous.”

2. “The future is unclear, and the present is ambiguous.”

Frequency of Use

The word “ambiguous” is moderately common in spoken and written language, particularly in contexts where precision and clarity are crucial.

Common Misspellings

1. Ambigouous

2. Ambiguousy