ambiguity
/ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/
noun
Origin
Latin
ambiguitas — uncertainty, doubtfulness
Overview
Meaning Now
- The quality or state of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
- A word, phrase, or statement that has more than one possible meaning.
Literal older meaning
the state of being able to wander or shift between meanings
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
ambiguyte
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The term stems from the Latin concept of 'ambigere', which literally described a physical movement ('wandering about') that metaphorically evolved into the mental state of wavering between two options or meanings.
Evolution
- Latin
ambigĕre
“to go about, to wander, to waver”
From 'ambi-' (around) + 'agĕre' (to drive/do).
- Latin
ambiguitas
“uncertainty of meaning”
- Old French
ambiguité
“uncertainty”
- Middle English
ambiguyte
“uncertainty, unclear intent”
- Modern English
ambiguity
“multiple interpretations”
Connections
Word parts
ambi-
prefix
around, both ways
ag-
root
to drive, to do
-uity
suffix
state or quality of
Related across languages
French
ambiguïté
ambiguity
Spanish
ambigüedad
ambiguity
Related words
Explore next
Related to ambiguity
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.