ambiguity — the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːəti/
Example Sentences
- The teacher's instructions were full of ambiguity, so half the students did homework A and half did homework B
- The politician's speech was masterfully crafted with ambiguity to avoid taking a clear stance
- The ambiguity of the menu description made me order something completely different from what I expected
ambiguity
NOUN[/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːəti/]
the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness
The ambiguity of the message led everyone to interpret it differently.
The ambiguity of the map left hikers unsure which trail to follow. (❓ Unclear + ↔️ Many Meanings → Ambiguity)
The ambiguity of the statement made investors suspicious and increasingly cautious.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'ambiguus' meaning 'doubtful' or 'uncertain,' derived from 'ambigere' (to wander about, to dispute), combined with the suffix '-ity' to form a noun expressing the quality or state.
Breakdown
ambi- (both, around) + -gu- (to go, wander) + -ous (adjective suffix) + -ity (noun suffix) = ambiguity
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher's instructions were full of ambiguity, so half the students did homework A and half did homework B”
“The politician's speech was masterfully crafted with ambiguity to avoid taking a clear stance”
“The ambiguity of the menu description made me order something completely different from what I expected”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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