© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

disambiguate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //dɪs.æm.bɪˈɡweɪt//

KK: /dɪsˈæmbɪɡweɪt/

transitive verb
Definition

To make something clear by removing confusion or ambiguity, often by providing a specific meaning or interpretation.


Example

The teacher had to disambiguate the instructions so that all the students understood what to do.


Tense Forms

Past: disambiguated

Past Participle: disambiguated


Conversation
Sloth A
I find it hard to understand this text sometimes.
Sloth B
Yeah, some sentences are really confusing.
Sloth A
We should try to disambiguate those tricky parts together.
Sloth B
Good idea! That way, it will make more sense.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clarify
elucidate
resolve
Antonyms
confuse
obscure
muddle
Root Explanation

Disambiguate → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "ambiguare" (from Latin, meaning to confuse or to be in doubt). The word means to remove confusion or clarify something that is ambiguous.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing confusion' — 'dis-' means apart, and 'ambiguare' means to confuse. This helps you remember that disambiguate means to clarify or make something clear.

Visually Confused Words
dishabituate
Is this page helpful?