ambiguous

EnglishEdit

EtymologyEdit

From Latin ambiguus (moving from side to side, of doubtful nature), from ambigere (to go about, wander, doubt), from ambi- (around, about, on both sides) + agere (to drive, move).

PronunciationEdit

  • IPA(key): /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/
  • (file)

AdjectiveEdit

ambiguous (comparative more ambiguous, superlative most ambiguous)

  1. Open to multiple interpretations.
    Synonyms: equivocal, unclear
    Antonyms: unambiguous, clear
    The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
  2. (obsolete, of persons) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
    • 1662 Thomas Salusbury
      And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous, and Simplicius is resolute....

Related termsEdit

TranslationsEdit

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See alsoEdit

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ReferencesEdit