Langimage
English

ambiguous

|am-bi-gu-ous|

B2

/æmˈbɪɡ.ju.əs/

open to interpretation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ambiguous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ambiguus,' where 'ambi-' meant 'both' and 'agere' meant 'to drive.'

Historical Evolution

'ambiguus' transformed into the French word 'ambigu,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ambiguous' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to drive both ways,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'open to more than one interpretation.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

The instructions were ambiguous, leading to confusion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39