ambiguous
UK/æm'bigjuәs/US
IELTSTOEFLGREB2
Definitions
adj.
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear in meaning
模棱两可的，含糊不清的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedambi- (both ways) + agere (drive) = ambigere, 'to drive both ways, wander about.' Something ambiguous 'drives' your mind in two directions at once — you can't tell which meaning is intended. The hidden ag root shows up as -igu-.
Root ag still carries 21 more wordsWhy It Means This
ambiguous literally means 'driven both ways' (ambi- + agere). Picture a signpost pointing in two directions at once — your mind is driven toward two readings and can't settle. That's why ambiguous describes anything that won't commit to a single meaning.
Common Collocations
- 1.ambiguous meaning含糊的含义
- 2.ambiguous statement模棱两可的声明
- 3.deliberately ambiguous故意含糊
Example Sentences
- 1.
His answer was deliberately ambiguous.
- 2.
The wording of the contract is ambiguous.