ambiguous
Say it: am-BIG-yoo-us /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ · adjective
What “ambiguous” means
Could mean more than one thing.
More precisely: Open to more than one interpretation; not clear.
Example: “His reply, "sounds interesting," was ambiguous — was that a yes or a no?”
When to use it
When words, signals or situations allow different readings, in everyday conversation or more formal discussions about clarity.
Similar words
unclear, vague, equivocal
Where it comes from
From Latin ambiguus, "doubtful," from ambigere, "to waver."
Quick check
A café advertises free coffee with cake, but you cannot tell which item costs money. The offer is…
explicit or ambiguous?
Show the answer
ambiguous
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