Flashcards: Latin Derivatives

ambiguous

 

1) having more than one meaning; 2) doubtful, uncertain

 

The English conjunction "or" is ambiguous: it can be inclusive, as in "Each participant must bring a pen or a pencil," (it's OK to bring either, even both) or exclusive, as in "Did you buy that dress last year or this year?" (only one answer is correct).

 

Related English words: ambiguity, ambiguousness

 

Latin root words: ambiguus, ambigua, ambiguum - wavering, uncertain, doubtful; ambigo, ambigere - to hesitate, doubt; ambiguitas, ambiguitatis, f. - ambiguity; ambo, ambae, ambo - both 

 

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