What Is Ambiguity? | Definition & Examples
Ambiguity occurs when an expression or idea is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Unintentional ambiguity can be confusing and can lead to misunderstandings.
This could mean someone’s cat was fed or someone was fed cat food.
What is the definition of ambiguity?
Ambiguity occurs when a statement or idea has more than one possible meaning, leading to uncertainty and confusion. It can arise from vague wording, confusing sentence structures, or the use of words with multiple definitions.
“Ambi-” is a Latin prefix meaning “both” that is used in various English words to indicate duality (e.g., “ambidextrous,” “ambivalent”).
Intentional ambiguity can add complexity and layers of meaning to creative works. For example, in the film Inception, the ending is ambiguous because it leaves viewers uncertain whether the protagonist is in a dream or reality.
Ambiguity also plays an essential role in humor. Rhetorical devices such as puns and amphiboly rely on the multiple meanings of words or sentence structures.
In rhetoric and argumentation, ambiguity can be used as a manipulation tactic to mislead or confuse the audience. The manipulative use of ambiguity is especially common in contexts such as legal language and political discourse.
Logical fallacies such as the equivocation fallacy and the motte and bailey fallacy involve ambiguity.
- Equivocation fallacy: Using a word with multiple meanings to mislead.
- Motte and bailey fallacy: Switching between a defensible position (motte) and an indefensible one (bailey) to avoid criticism.
Verbal ambiguity is often categorized as either syntactic ambiguity or lexical ambiguity.
Syntactic ambiguity
Syntactic ambiguity occurs when a sentence’s construction lends itself to multiple interpretations. Amphiboly is a rhetorical device that relies on syntax-based ambiguity (i.e., multiple meanings based on word order).
Lexical ambiguity
Lexical ambiguity occurs when a single word has multiple meanings. One word can be pinpointed as the source of confusion. Lexical ambiguity is often used to achieve humor in the form of puns or double entendres.
Ambiguity examples
Examples of unintentional ambiguity can be found in everyday conversations, where word choices often lead to misunderstandings.
The term “biweekly” can mean either every two weeks or twice a week, making this sentence ambiguous.
In legal writing, loopholes occur when ambiguity or inadequacy in a law or contract can be exploited.
This clause is ambiguous and potentially deceptive because “other unforeseen natural phenomena” is not clearly defined. This vagueness allows the insurance company to deny claims by interpreting certain events as not covered.
Similarly, in politics, ambiguity can be used as a rhetorical tool to manipulate an audience. Unclear statements can be used to gain favor without making a clear commitment.
This statement is ambiguous because it could promise tax breaks for small business owners or for all business owners, including those of large corporations.
Using “ambiguity” in a sentence
“Ambiguity” is a noun that describes situations, statements, or expressions that are unclear or open to more than one understanding. Here are some examples of using “ambiguity” in a sentence:
- The ambiguity in the contract led to a dispute between the parties.
- Her smile had an ambiguity that made it hard to tell if she was pleased or amused.
- The poem’s ambiguity allows readers to interpret its meaning in various ways.
Related terms:
- Adjective: ambiguous
- Example: His ambiguous answer did not clarify the situation.
Frequently asked questions about ambiguity
- What are some antonyms for ambiguity?
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Antonyms for ambiguity include clarity, precision, certainty, lucidity, and explicitness. These words describe a state of being clearly defined and easy to understand.
In contrast, ambiguity describes the condition of being unclear or having multiple meanings.
You can use QuillBot’s Paraphrasing Tool to help you vary your vocabulary to reflect your intended meaning.
- How do you pronounce ambiguity?
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Ambiguity is pronounced am-bih-GYOO-ih-tee (/ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ɪ.ti/). Understanding ambiguity is an essential part of critical thinking and helps avoid logical fallacies such as the equivocation fallacy and the motte and bailey fallacy.
- What is “The Ethics of Ambiguity”?
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The Ethics of Ambiguity is a book by feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. It explores existentialist ethics, focusing on the ambiguity inherent in human existence and challenging the idea of absolute truths.
- What does it mean to have tolerance for ambiguity?
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Having tolerance for ambiguity means being comfortable with uncertain and unclear situations. It involves the ability to accept, or even embrace, situations with multiple possible interpretations or outcomes.
The opposite is black-and-white thinking, the tendency to view people, situations, and ideas in absolute terms.
