ambiguity

/æm.bɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/

æm · BꞮꞬJUː · ɪ · ti (4 syllables)

English Noun Top 32,662
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Definition

The state of being ambiguous; the state of leaving room for more than one interpretation.

Etymology

From Middle English ambiguite, from Old French ambiguite (French ambiguïté), from Latin ambiguitas, equivalent to ambiguous + -ity.

Example Sentences

  • "His speech was made with such great ambiguity that neither supporter nor opponent could be certain of his true position."
  • "Whan this ſayd monument diſcouered was / Suche a ſuauite and fragrant odoure / Aſcended from the corps by ſingular grace / Paſſyng all worldly ſwetnes and ſauour / That all there present that day and hour / Suppoſed they had ben / in the felicite / Of erthely paradiſe / without ambiguite."
  • "If two persons bore the same name, and confusion was likely to be caused, ambiguity was avoided by adding the name of the father[…]"
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