Ambigious vs. Ambiguous — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
Ambigious is an incorrect spelling; the right term is Ambiguous, meaning not clear or open to multiple interpretations.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Ambigious or Ambiguous
How to spell Ambiguous?
Ambigious
Incorrect Spelling
Ambiguous
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of the root "amb-" meaning "both," and that ambiguity involves two or more interpretations.
Associate the word with having multiple or "bi-" meanings, but with only one 'i.'
Remember that "Ambiguous" has only one 'i' after the 'g.'
The middle of "Ambiguous" sounds like "big," not "bi."
Recalling the word "ambiguity" can guide the spelling of "ambiguous."
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How Do You Spell Ambiguous Correctly?
Incorrect: The instructions were ambigious, causing confusion.
Correct: The instructions were ambiguous, causing confusion.
Incorrect: The ending of the story was too ambigious.
Correct: The ending of the story was too ambiguous.
Incorrect: Her statement was interpreted in an ambigious way.
Correct: Her statement was interpreted in an ambiguous way.
Incorrect: His reply was ambigious and didn't answer the question.
Correct: His reply was ambiguous and didn't answer the question.
Incorrect: The rule is somewhat ambigious in its application.
Correct: The rule is somewhat ambiguous in its application.
Ambiguous Definitions
Unclear in meaning due to a variety of interpretations.
His answer was intentionally ambiguous.
Indistinct or uncertain by nature.
His ambiguous smile made her wonder what he was thinking.
Open to multiple interpretations, not definitive.
The language of the contract is ambiguous.
Not clear in its significance or intention.
The poem's ambiguous lines left readers pondering.
Lacking clarity, dubious.
The outcome of the experiment was ambiguous.
Open to more than one interpretation
An ambiguous reply.
Doubtful or uncertain
"The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous" (Frank Rich).
Open to multiple interpretations.
The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
Doubtful or uncertain, particularly in respect to signification; capable of being understood in either of two or more possible senses; equivocal; as, an ambiguous course; an ambiguous expression.
What have been thy answers? What but dark,Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding?
Open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead;
An equivocal statement
The polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
The officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
Popularity is an equivocal crown
An equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Having more than one possible meaning;
Ambiguous words
Frustrated by ambiguous instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy
Having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns;
An ambiguous situation with no frame of reference
Ambiguous inkblots
Ambiguous Meaning in a Sentence
The test question was ambiguous and confused many students.
The ambiguous message left everyone guessing.
Her ambiguous answer made it unclear if she agreed or disagreed.
Ambiguous wording in the contract caused a dispute.
His intentions were ambiguous, making it hard to understand his feelings.
The painting's meaning is ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations.
The politician's ambiguous statements made headlines.
The sign's message was ambiguous, causing people to ignore it.
His ambiguous response left us wondering what he really meant.
The outcome of the experiment was ambiguous and required further analysis.
The directions were ambiguous, leading us to take the wrong path.
The novel's ending is deliberately ambiguous.
Without clear evidence, the jury faced an ambiguous decision.
The movie's plot was intriguing but ambiguous.
The treaty's terms were too ambiguous to enforce properly.
The law is often criticized for being too ambiguous.
Her ambiguous smile made him uncertain of her true feelings.
The instructions on the form were ambiguous and confusing.
The ambiguous nature of the sculpture intrigued the public.
She received an ambiguous message that left her puzzled.
Ambiguous guidelines often lead to confusion.
The theme of the poem is ambiguous and open to discussion.
His role in the company is somewhat ambiguous.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Ambiguous?
Ambiguity is the noun, but there isn't a direct verb form. "Ambiguate" is a rare verb form.
What is the root word of Ambiguous?
The root is Latin "ambiguus," meaning "having double meaning."
Which preposition is used with Ambiguous?
"About" or "on," as in "ambiguous about" or "ambiguous on a topic."
Is Ambiguous a negative or positive word?
Neutral in itself, but can be negative depending on context.
Why is it called Ambiguous?
Derived from Latin "ambiguus" which means "having double meaning."
Which vowel is used before Ambiguous?
Typically, "an" or "no vowel" is used before "ambiguous."
What is the pronunciation of Ambiguous?
Pronounced as "am-BIG-yoo-us."
What is the singular form of Ambiguous?
"Ambiguous" is an adjective, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form.
Which article is used with Ambiguous?
"An" is used, as in "an ambiguous statement."
Is Ambiguous a vowel or consonant?
"Ambiguous" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
What is the plural form of Ambiguous?
Adjectives in English do not have plural forms.
Which conjunction is used with Ambiguous?
Any conjunction can be used based on the sentence structure.
Is Ambiguous a countable noun?
"Ambiguous" is not a noun.
Is Ambiguous a collective noun?
No, "Ambiguous" is not a noun.
How many syllables are in Ambiguous?
Four syllables.
What is the opposite of Ambiguous?
Clear or unequivocal.
Which determiner is used with Ambiguous?
Determiners like "this," "that," or "an" can be used.
Is Ambiguous a noun or adjective?
"Ambiguous" is an adjective.
Is Ambiguous an adverb?
No, "Ambiguous" is not an adverb.
Is the Ambiguous term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used in metaphorical expressions.
Is the word Ambiguous imperative?
No, it's not an imperative.
Is the word “Ambiguous” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As an adjective, it doesn't function as either but can modify a direct or indirect object.
What part of speech is Ambiguous?
"Ambiguous" is an adjective.
How do we divide Ambiguous into syllables?
Am-big-u-ous.
Is Ambiguous an abstract noun?
No, "Ambiguous" is an adjective. However, "ambiguity" is an abstract noun.
What is a stressed syllable in Ambiguous?
The second syllable, "big."
What is another term for Ambiguous?
Vague or equivocal.
How is Ambiguous used in a sentence?
"The politician gave an ambiguous answer to the controversial question."
Is the word Ambiguous a Gerund?
No, "Ambiguous" is an adjective.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.