noun

ambiguity

ambiguity, vagueness, uncertainty

The ambiguity in his statement caused confusion.

The ambiguity in his statement caused confusion.

The contract is full of ambiguities.

The contract is full of ambiguities.

((in sth.)) ambiguity in (sth.) There is ambiguity in his statement.

Synonyms: vagueness, obscurity, uncertainty; Antonyms: clarity, certainty, precision

From Latin 'ambi-' (around) + 'agere' (to drive), meaning 'to wander about'. This captures the idea of not being direct or clear.

Think of 'ambi-' as in 'ambidextrous' (using both hands). Ambiguity means something can be interpreted in 'both' or multiple ways.

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