Ambiguous Meaning
/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjOpen to multiple interpretations.
adjHesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
Sentence Examples
Bill Clinton spoke in ambiguous language when asked to describe his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
What an ambiguous expression!
The main feature of this scheme is still ambiguous.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her reply was so ____ that I still do not know her answer.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His answer was somewhat ____, and I wasn't sure what he really meant.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₂énts? Proto-Indo-European *h₂m̥bʰíder. Proto-Italic *amβi Latin ambi- Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵ- Proto-Indo-European *-eti Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti Proto-Italic *agō Latin agō Latin ambig(ō) Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Italic *-wos Latin -uus Latin ambiguuslbor. English ambiguous 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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous, and Simplicius is resolute...."
— 1662, Thomas Salusbury, Mathematical collections and translations, in two tomes - Salusbury:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her reply was so ____ that I still do not know her answer.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His answer was somewhat ____, and I wasn't sure what he really meant.