Ambiguity
[æmbɪ'gjuːɪtɪ] or [,æmbɪ'ɡjuəti]
Definition
(noun.) unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning.
(noun.) an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context.
Edited by Clio--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The quality or state of being ambiguous; doubtfulness or uncertainty, particularly as to the signification of language, arising from its admitting of more than one meaning; an equivocal word or expression.
Checked by Desmond
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Doubtfulness, dubiousness, doubt, uncertainty or equivocalness (as respects the meaning of a single term), AMPHIBOLOGY, indefiniteness, vagueness, obscurity.[2]. Clinch, pun, ambiguous expression, double meaning.
Inputed by Delia
Examples
- It is the ambiguity of language only which can make this proposition appear either doubtful or paradoxical. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- Lily was in fact becoming more and more aware of a certain ambiguity in her situation. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- Gerty had tried to veil her failure in tender ambiguities; but Carry, always the soul of candour, put the case squarely to her friend. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
Typist: Toni