Definition

A statement or phrase that can be understood in more than one way, leading to confusion or ambiguity.

Example

The phrase 'I saw the man with the telescope' is an example of amphibology because it can mean different things depending on how you interpret it.

Conversation

I read this sentence that really confused me.

What did it say?

It had some kind of amphibology that made it hard to understand.

Oh, I hate when that happens! It’s frustrating trying to figure out the actual meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Amphibology → It is formed from "amphi-" (meaning both or on both sides) and "ballein" (meaning to throw). The word describes a statement that can be understood in two different ways, hence throwing it in two directions.

Memory Tip

Think of something that can be understood in 'both' ('amphi-') ways, like a statement that 'throws' ('ballein') meaning in two directions.

Visually Confused Words