ambiguity
noun
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Where Ambiguity Comes From
It might not be immediately clear (unless you are fluent in Latin) how ambiguity ("uncertainty") and ambidextrous ("using both hands with equal ease") are connected, aside from the fact that they both begin with the same four letters. Ambiguity (and ambiguous) comes from the Latin ambiguus, which was formed by combining ambi- (meaning "both") and agere ("to drive"). Ambidextrous combines the same prefix with dexter (meaning "skillful; relating to or situated on the right"). So each of these words carries the meaning of "both" in its history; one with the sense of "both meanings" and the other with that of "both hands." Ambiguity may be used to refer either to something (such as a word) which has multiple meanings, or to a more general state of uncertainty.
Synonyms
Examples of ambiguity in a Sentence
Molly Triffin et al., Cosmopolitan, January 2008
Above the level of molecular biology, the notion of "gene" has become increasingly complex. The chapter in which Ridley addresses the ambiguities of this slippery word is an expository tour de force. He considers seven possible meanings of gene as used in different contexts: a unit of heredity; an interchangeable part of evolution; a recipe for a metabolic product; … a development switch; a unit of selection; and a unit of instinct.
—Raymond Tallis, Prospect, September 2003
The troubles in the Empire at the turn of the seventeenth century have often been laid at the door of the Peace of Augsburg. While it is true that the 1555 agreement papered over some unsolvable problems and contained ambiguities and loopholes, it had been conceived as a pragmatic compromise, and it did succeed in preserving the peace in Germany for one generation.
—Alison D. Anderson, On the Verge of War, 1999
Her letters and diaries describe her own feelings of insecurity and worries about her possible fate if she could no longer work, and they also tell us a great deal about the ambiguity of her position within the society in which she lived, and her determination to defend and maintain her own status.
—Joanna Martin, A Governess In the Age of Jane Austen, 1998
the ambiguities in his answers
the ambiguity of the clairvoyant's messages from the deceased allowed the grieving relatives to interpret them however they wished
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James M. Smoliga, Dvm, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2023
This ambiguity is a sticking point for practitioners, as each dose of Beyfortus costs $495.
—Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2023
There is something particularly Italian in the ambiguity of the films’ depiction of good and evil.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Nov. 2023
At one point, there was a real chance that Kershaw would end his career here in bittersweet ambiguity.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2023
On four occasions, Biden has intimated that the United States would defend Taiwan if attacked, a striking shift away from Washington’s typical ambiguity on the question.
—Shay Khatiri, National Review, 12 Sep. 2023
If Rockwell and Leaf experiment with ambiguity, Jackson embraces it.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Nov. 2023
Liyan Qi Internet users in China are expressing bewilderment that the name Israel doesn’t appear on leading online digital maps from Baidu and Alibaba, an ambiguity that matches Beijing’s vague diplomacy in the region and contrasts with its attentiveness to maps generally.
—James T. Areddy, WSJ, 30 Oct. 2023
Freezing the sperm helped with any legal ambiguity.
—Sophie Strosberg, Parents, 26 Oct. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ambiguity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English ambiguyte, anbiguite "uncertainty, indecision," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French ambiguité "doubtfulness of meaning, uncertainty," borrowed from Latin ambiguitāt-, ambiguitās, from ambiguus "unresolved, of uncertain outcome, ambiguous" + -itāt-, -itās -ity
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing ambiguity
Dictionary Entries Near ambiguity
Cite this Entry
“Ambiguity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambiguity. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
ambiguity
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on ambiguity
Nglish: Translation of ambiguity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of ambiguity for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ambiguity
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