ambiguous Definition
- 1open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning
- 2unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made
Using ambiguous: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ambiguous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The wording of the contract is ambiguous and could be interpreted in different ways.
Example
Her response to my question was ambiguous, so I wasn't sure what she meant.
Example
The painting's meaning is intentionally ambiguous, allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions.
ambiguous Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with ambiguous
ambiguous statement
a statement that can be interpreted in more than one way
Example
His ambiguous statement left us unsure of his intentions.
ambiguous figure
a visual image that can be interpreted in more than one way
Example
The ambiguous figure could be seen as either a vase or two faces.
ambiguous genitalia
a condition in which the external genitalia are not clearly male or female
Example
The baby was born with ambiguous genitalia, and the parents had to make a difficult decision about surgery.
Origins of ambiguous
from Latin 'ambiguus', meaning 'doubtful'
Summary: ambiguous in Brief
The term 'ambiguous' [æmˈbɪɡjuəs] refers to something that is open to more than one interpretation or unclear because a choice between alternatives has not been made. It is often used to describe statements, figures, or situations that can be interpreted in different ways. 'Ambiguous' is an adjective with synonyms like 'vague,' 'unclear,' and 'equivocal.' Its antonyms include 'clear,' 'definite,' and 'unequivocal.'