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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Ambiguity: Definition, Usage & Clear Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：lack of clarity (ambiguity)

ambiguity 🔊

/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːəti/

A situation in which something has more than one possible meaning, making it unclear or confusing.

Ambiguity illustrated by a blank signpost at a forest fork, symbolizing unclear choices.

lack of clarity 🔊

➕

/ˈlæk əv ˈklerəti/

This refers to the state of having more than one possible interpretation, leading to confusion or misunderstanding. It is a property of statements, instructions, or situations where meaning is not singular or definite.

📁 Category：Social Roles, Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'ambigere' (to wander about, doubt), from 'ambi-' (both) + 'agere' (to drive, act).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'ambi-' (meaning 'both' as in 'ambidextrous') and '-guity' sounding like 'guilty' when you can't decide. It's being of two minds.

📖 Example

The ambiguity in his instructions caused me to take the wrong turn and get lost. 🔊 The lack of clarity in his instructions caused me to take the wrong turn and get lost.

🔗 Collocations

lexical ambiguity – A situation where a word or phrase has two or more distinct meanings.

inherent ambiguity – Ambiguity that is a fundamental, inseparable part of something.

ambiguity in the law – Unclear or multiple possible meanings within a legal text.

🔄 Synonyms

vagueness (n.) – The quality of being unclear because of a lack of precise detail or definition.

equivocation (n.) – The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself.

obscurity (n.) – The state of being unknown or difficult to understand.

🚫 Antonyms

clarity (n.) – The quality of being clear, in particular the quality of being coherent and intelligible.

precision (n.) – The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.

🌱 Derivatives

ambiguous (adj.) – Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

unambiguously (adv.) – In a manner that is not open to more than one interpretation.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'ambiguity' entered English from Latin via Old French in the late 15th century. Its Latin root 'ambigere' means 'to go about, waver, doubt'. This concept of being driven in two directions at once has made it a crucial term in legal theory, literary criticism, and philosophy, where resolving ambiguity is often a primary goal.

Meaning 2：uncertainty in feelings (ambiguity)

ambiguity 🔊

/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːəti/

The quality of being unclear, inexact, or not having a single obvious meaning in a situation or feeling.

Ambiguity of feelings shown by a person contemplating a confusing abstract painting.

uncertainty in feelings 🔊

➕

/ənˈsɜrtənti ɪn ˈfilɪŋz/

This refers to a state of uncertainty or inexactness within a situation, emotion, or personal stance. It describes a feeling or condition that is not clearly defined or is mixed, lacking a single dominant characteristic.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Her feelings about the job offer were full of ambiguity; she liked the salary but wasn't sure about the long hours. 🔊 Her feelings about the job offer were marked by uncertainty; she liked the salary but wasn't sure about the long hours.

🔗 Collocations

moral ambiguity – A situation in which the distinction between right and wrong is unclear.

emotional ambiguity – Having mixed or unclear feelings about someone or something.

ambiguity of the situation – The unclear or undefined nature of the circumstances.

🔄 Synonyms

uncertainty (n.) – The state of being unsure about something.

indecisiveness (n.) – The quality of being unable to make decisions quickly and effectively.

🚫 Antonyms

certainty (n.) – Firm conviction that something is the case.

conviction (n.) – A firmly held belief or opinion.