ambiguous

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

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).

Pronunciation[edit]

Adjective[edit]

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 a person) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
    • 1662, Thomas Salusbury, (Please provide the book title or journal name):
      And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous, and Simplicius is resolute....

Related terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

See also[edit]

Further reading[edit]

References[edit]