ambiguous

/æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (bre, ipa) · /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (ame, ipa) · /am-ˈbi-gyə-wəs/ (ame, mw)

ambiguous — adjective

1. Describes words, actions, or situations that allow two or more readings, so the

1.形容詞C2
釋義

Describes words, actions, or situations that allow two or more readings, so the real message or intention is not fully certain.

例句

The note on Mia's desk was ambiguous, so nobody knew who should call first.

ambiguous + noun: note / message / statement

Judge Lin gave an ambiguous answer when reporters asked about the missing files.

be ambiguous in an answer to avoid commitment

同義詞
  • unclear

    general and common; 'ambiguous' more strongly suggests two or more possible readings

  • vague

    stresses lack of detail; 'ambiguous' stresses competing meanings

  • equivocal

    more formal; often used for statements that avoid a direct answer

反義詞
  • clear

    easy to understand in one direct way

  • explicit

    states the meaning fully and leaves little doubt

  • definite

    firm and specific rather than open to interpretation

文法句型

ambiguous + noun (answer, message, ending, statement)

be ambiguous about + subject

用法筆記

Common with words, messages, signals, and endings. It can describe accidental lack of clarity, but it is also used when someone chooses careful wording to avoid saying one clear thing.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher's instructions were vague, so we chose either page 12 or page 20.
✅The teacher's instructions were ambiguous, so we chose either page 12 or page 20.
💡'ambiguous' fits when two readings are possible; 'vague' fits when detail is missing in a more general way.