ambiguity
/ambɪˈɡjuːɪti
/noun (plural ambiguities) [mass noun]
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness: we can detect no ambiguity in this section of the Act [count noun]: ambiguities in such questions are potentially very dangerous...
- It is sure to retain its ambiguity, its complexity, and its centrality in human life.
- So any question of ambiguity is really dealt with in accordance with those ordinary principles.
- In my opinion, since there is no ambiguity or uncertainty, the application of this rule does not arise.
Synonyms
ambivalence, equivocation;
obscurity, vagueness, abstruseness, doubtfulness, uncertainty;
puzzle, enigma
archaic equivocacy
rare dubiety
(ambiguities) doublespeak, double-talk
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French ambiguite or Latin ambiguitas, from ambiguus 'doubtful' (see ambiguous).