ambiguity definition of ambiguity by
Definition of Ambiguity. Ambiguity occurs when something is open to more than one interpretation. Ambiguity is possible in literature, ideas, statements, arts, music, and math. At times, ambiguity is reliant on context; something can be ambiguous in one situation while unambiguous in another. Something with ambiguity is unclear. Think about the sentence, Jill saw the man with binoculars.. If you are wondering whether Jill or the man had the binoculars, you are noticing the ambiguity, or the double meaning, of this sentence. Ambiguity is commonly of two types (1) Latent ambiguity is not readily apparent from the language or text of a document, but arises when the document is executed or interpreted together with another document, and (2) Patent ambiguity arises directly from the language or text of the document itself. Use 'ambiguity' in a Sentence. 1  The apparent ambiguity of the sentence being used had such a broad concept of meaning that it could have applied to a number of situations. 2  The trial attorney carefully introduced ambiguity into his summation, in order to appeal to the varied personalities of the twelve jurors. uk ​ /ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ə.ti/ us ​ /ˌæm.bɪˈɡjuː.ə.t̬i/. C2 (an example of) the fact of something having more than one possible meaning and therefore possibly causing confusion: We wish to remove any ambiguity concerning our demands. There are some ambiguities in the legislation. More examples. Ambiguity is similar to “vagueness,” except that ambiguity refers to something having multiple possible meanings, while vagueness refers to a general lack of clarity; something vague might not have any clear meanings while something ambiguous might have several possible clear meanings. II. Types of Ambiguity. Ambiguity Definition. Ambiguity or fallacy of ambiguity is a word, phrase, or statement which contains more than one meaning. Ambiguous words or statements lead to vagueness and confusion, and shape the basis for instances of unintentional humor. Ambiguity (pronounced ‘am-bih-GYOO-ih-tee’) is an idea or situation that can be understood in more than one way. This extends from ambiguous sentences (which could mean one thing or another) up to ambiguous storylines and ambiguous arguments. Something with ambiguity is unclear. If you are wondering whether Jill or the man had the binoculars, you are noticing the ambiguity, or the double meaning, of this sentence. Lawyers word contracts to avoid ambiguity, but in doing so prevent anyone who is not a lawyer from understanding what they have written! If you can't choose between two decisions because both seem somehow wrong, you are dealing with moral ambiguity. plural ambiguities. Learner's definition of AMBIGUITY. : something that does not have a single clear meaning : something that is ambiguous. [noncount] You should remove ambiguity [=vagueness] from your essay by adding more details. moral ambiguity [=lack of certainty about whether something is right or wrong] Definition of ambiguity. plural. ambiguities. 1a : the quality or state of being ambiguous especially in meaning The ambiguity of the poem allows several interpretations.b : a word or expression that can be understood in two or more possible ways : an ambiguous word or expression. 2 : uncertainty.
A word or expression that can be understood in two or more possible ways.