Amphibology
/ˌæm.fɪˈbɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
Ambiguous wording that can be interpreted in more than one way.
Did you know?Amphibology comes from Greek roots meaning “thrown on both sides,” and ancient writers used it for statements that could be twisted two different ways—perfect for rhetoric, riddles, and deception.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀμφίβολος
“ambiguous, doubtful, double-edged; literally 'thrown on both sides'”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀμφιβολία
“doubt, ambiguity”
Late Latin
Latin
amphibologia
“ambiguity in speech or expression”
Middle French
Old French
amphibologie
“ambiguity; double meaning in language”
16th Century
English
amphibology
“ambiguity in words or expression”
Modern English
English
amphibology
“a statement or phrase that can be understood in two or more ways”