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ambiguous

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //æmˈbɪɡjuəs// UK //æmbˈɪɡjuːəs// am·bigu·ous Academic Archaic

adj. having more than one possible meaning, or being hard to understand clearly. You use this word when something is confusing because it isn't explained well.

adj. open to more than one interpretation or lacking a clear, exact meaning. Often used to describe language, actions, or situations that fail to specify a single definitive intent.


SIMPLE

The ending of the movie is very ambiguous.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager gives ambiguous instructions, leaving the team unsure whether they should start the project immediately or wait for approval.

COMPLEX

Because the treaty's language regarding border disputes remains intentionally ambiguous, both nations can claim victory while deferring the actual resolution to a later date.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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”).

Usage

Typically followed by the preposition 'about' when describing a person's attitude, or used attributively to modify nouns like 'wording', 'meaning', or 'results'.

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