ambiguous — having more than one possible meaning; unclear or inexact
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having more than one possible meaning; unclear or inexact
Pronunciation (IPA): /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
Example Sentences
- The teacher's ambiguous feedback made students wonder if they passed or failed.
- His ambiguous text 'See you later 😉' left her wondering if it was a date or just friendship.
- The contract's ambiguous terms led to a lengthy legal dispute.
ambiguous
ADJECTIVE[/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/]
having more than one possible meaning; unclear or inexact
The message was so ambiguous that everyone interpreted it differently.
The ambiguous map left hikers unsure which trail to follow. (❓ Unclear + ↔️ Many Meanings → Ambiguous)
The ambiguous statement made investors suspicious and increasingly cautious.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ambiguus' meaning 'uncertain' or 'doubtful', derived from 'ambigere' (to wander around, to doubt), combining 'ambi-' (both/around) and 'agere' (to drive/act).
Breakdown
ambi- (both/around) + -gu- (wander) + -ous (adjective suffix) = ambiguous (having multiple possible meanings)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher's ambiguous feedback made students wonder if they passed or failed.”
“His ambiguous text 'See you later 😉' left her wondering if it was a date or just friendship.”
“The contract's ambiguous terms led to a lengthy legal dispute.”
“When asked about his weekend plans, his ambiguous reply of 'maybe something fun' told us absolutely nothing.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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