Another Word For Ambiguity

Meaning

The word "ambiguity" refers to situations, statements, or expressions that can be understood in more than one way, leading to uncertainty or vagueness. It often arises when a piece of information lacks clarity or has multiple interpretations, making it difficult to understand the intended meaning.

Synonyms

• Vagueness
• Uncertainty
• Ambivalence
• Indeterminacy
• Obscurity

Antonyms

• Clarity
• Certainty
• Precision
• Definiteness
• Explicitness

Etymology

The term "ambiguity" originates from the Latin word "ambiguitas," which means "doubtfulness." It is derived from "ambigere," which means "to be in doubt" or "to waver." The root "ambi-" means "both" and "agere" means "to lead," signifying the ability to lead to multiple interpretations.

Examples

1. The ambiguity in his statement left everyone confused about his true intentions.
2. In literature, ambiguity can enrich a text by allowing readers to derive different meanings from the same passage.
3. The contract was criticized for its ambiguity, as the unclear terms could lead to misunderstandings between the parties involved.
4. Many works of art celebrate the ambiguity of meaning, encouraging viewers to interpret them in their own unique ways.
5. To avoid ambiguity in communication, it’s essential to be clear and precise in your language.