ambiguous

CEFRC1

/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Having more than one possible meaning or interpretation.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.

Examples

  • Bill Clinton spoke in ambiguous language when asked to describe his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

  • The main feature of this scheme is still ambiguous.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /æmˈbɪɡ.jʉ.əs/

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meaning

  1. Open to multiple interpretations.

More examples

In context

  • The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.

  • What an ambiguous expression!

  • And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous, and Simplicius is resolute....

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Her reply was so blank that I still do not know her answer.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

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”).