ambigüedad
Lemma Details
Translation: ambiguity; ambiguousness; uncertainty; vagueness; equivocation
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'ambiguitas', derived from 'ambiguus' meaning 'doubtful, uncertain, having double meaning'. The Latin root 'amb-' means 'around, about' and 'agere' means 'to drive, lead'. The English cognate 'ambiguity' shares the same Latin origin. The word literally conveys the sense of 'going around' or 'moving in two directions', reflecting the uncertainty or double meaning inherent in ambiguous statements.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Su respuesta estaba llena de ambigüedad.
His answer was full of ambiguity.
Debemos evitar la ambigüedad en los contratos legales.
We must avoid ambiguity in legal contracts.
La ambigüedad moral del personaje lo hace interesante.
The moral ambiguity of the character makes him interesting.
La ambigüedad del texto permite múltiples interpretaciones.
The ambiguity of the text allows for multiple interpretations.
Mnemonics
- The 'ü' (with dieresis) makes the 'u' pronounced, creating 'am-bi-gu-e-dad' - think of it as emphasizing the 'double' nature of ambiguity.
- Sounds like 'ambiguity' with a Spanish twist - just add '-dad' (the common Spanish noun ending) to the English root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish discourse, 'ambigüedad' is often discussed in contexts of politics, literature, and legal matters. Spanish speakers may be more tolerant of ambiguity in communication than English speakers, sometimes using it strategically in diplomatic or political contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ambigüedad' refers to uncertainty or double meaning, 'antigüedad' means 'antiquity' or 'seniority'. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
This word:
La ambigüedad de sus palabras causó confusión.
The ambiguity of his words caused confusion.
Notes: Both words contain the dieresis (ü) which can make them visually similar at a glance.
Mnemonic: 'Ambi-' relates to 'both sides' (ambiguity), while 'anti-' relates to 'before' (antiquity).
Explanation: 'Ambigüedad' refers to uncertainty in meaning or interpretation, while 'ambivalencia' refers to having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.
Confused word:
Siento ambivalencia sobre aceptar ese trabajo.
I feel ambivalent about accepting that job.
Notes: Both start with 'ambi-' (meaning 'both') but apply to different domains: meaning vs. emotion.
Mnemonic: 'Ambigüedad' relates to unclear meaning (think 'vague'), while 'ambivalencia' relates to conflicting values or feelings (think 'valence' in chemistry).