ambiguous
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
having more than one possible meaning, which can make something difficult to understand.
open to more than one interpretation; lacking a single, clear meaning or intention.
Simple“The ending of the movie was ambiguous, so we spent an hour debating what actually happened.”
In context“The contract's ambiguous wording led to a lengthy legal dispute regarding the exact responsibilities of each partner.”
UsageOften used to describe language, laws, or instructions that are poorly defined.
PitfallThe instructions were very ambivalent. The instructions were very ambiguous.Use 'ambiguous' for things with multiple meanings. Use 'ambivalent' for people who have mixed feelings about a choice.
Antonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
feeling unsure or not taking a clear side in a situation.
characterised by uncertainty or a lack of commitment to a specific course of action.
Simple“He remained ambiguous about which team he supported during the conflict.”
In context“The general remained ambiguous in his loyalties, waiting to see which faction would emerge victorious before committing his troops.”
UsageIn modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'ambivalent' or 'hesitant'.
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.