Definition of AMBIGUITIES (original) (raw)
1
a
: the quality or state of being ambiguous especially in meaning
The ambiguity of the poem allows several interpretations.
b
: a word or expression that can be understood in two or more possible ways : an ambiguous word or expression
Did you know?
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
A third factor amping your desire to speed things along: Despite the euphoria of those first kisses and dates, the initial stages of infatuation can be incredibly unsettling. "You aren't sure yet where you stand with your mate, so you're anxious to shake the ambiguity," explains Regan. —
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was originally some ambiguity over whether resigning workers would have to do any work for the next eight months. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025 By the end, all snaps into place, though not without some queasy ambiguities and the outings of evil machinations on the part of at least one of the parents. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2025 While often used sarcastically to mock true believers, the idiom reflects Italy’s enduring ambiguity toward Fascism, even 80 years after its fall. —Mattia Ferraresi, airmail.news, 1 Feb. 2025 The freeze, which will go into effect at 5 p.m. on January 28, does not include Medicare or Social Security benefits but leaves ambiguity around other critical services like Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ambiguity 
Word History
Etymology
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
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of ambiguity was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near ambiguity
Cite this Entry
“Ambiguity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambiguity. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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