Definition

Not clear or having more than one possible meaning; something that can be understood in different ways.

Example

Her answer was ambiguous, leaving everyone confused about what she really meant.

Conversation

Did you understand the ending of that movie we watched last night?

Not really, it felt pretty ambiguous to me.

I know, right? I was hoping for a clearer conclusion.

Same here! It left me with more questions than answers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ambiguous → It is formed from "ambi-" (meaning both) and "agere" (meaning to drive or act). The word describes something that can be understood in more than one way, hence it drives or leads to both interpretations.

Memory Tip

Think of something that can be understood in 'both' ways ('ambi-') and 'acts' or 'drives' ('agere') towards those interpretations.

Visually Confused Words