Ambiguous
/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/noun
Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
Did you know?The Latin root 'ambiguus' is linked to 'ambigere', meaning 'to be in doubt', hinting at the magical power of uncertainty in language.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ambiguus
“Wandering, uncertain, or having double meaning.”
Old French
Old French
ambigü
“Having a double meaning; unclear.”
14th Century
Middle English
ambigous
“Open to interpretation, uncertain.”
Modern English
English
ambiguous
“Characterized by uncertainty or multiple interpretations.”
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