Ambiguous
Meaning: Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or definite in meaning.
Examples
- The poem's final line is deliberately ambiguous: "home" could refer to the speaker's childhood house or to the country she left.
- Because the survey question was ambiguous, respondents understood "regularly" in very different ways, making the results hard to compare.
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Memory tip
"Ambi-" means "both," so an ambiguous sentence can be read both ways. Ambiguous describes meaning; ambivalent describes feelings.
Practice question
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
The contract's wording was so ______ that both companies claimed it supported their side of the dispute.
Answer: B) ambiguous
If both sides can read the wording in their favor, it is open to more than one interpretation.
Make “ambiguous” stick
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Practice with flashcardsMore SAT words
having mixed feelings
anachronisticbelonging to a different time period from the one being shown or discussed
antagonistan opponent
approbationapproval or praise
arduousinvolving or requiring strenuous effort
ascertainfind out for certain
asylumprotection granted by a country to someone fleeing danger
austeresevere or strict in manner