Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » ambiguous

ambiguous

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of ambiguous is something that is unclear or not easily describable.

(adjective)

An example of someone who might give an ambiguous answer to a question is a politician who is talking to his constituents.

See ambiguous in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having two or more possible meanings
not clear; indefinite; vague

Origin: L ambiguus < ambigere, to wander < ambi-, about, around + agere, to do, act

Related Forms:

ambiguously adverb
ambiguousness noun

See ambiguous in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Open to more than one interpretation: an ambiguous reply.
Doubtful or uncertain: “The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous” (Frank Rich).

Origin:

Origin: From Latin ambiguus, uncertain

Origin: , from ambigere, to go about

Origin: : amb-, ambi-, around; see ambi-

Origin: + agere, to drive; see ag- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

am·bigˈu·ous·ly adverb

am·bigˈu·ous·ness noun

Learn more about ambiguous

ambiguous synonyms

ambiguous in a sentence

ambiguous quotes

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

» more results...