Concept in Definition ABC

On the one hand, when we want to express the alternative that something, a saying, an action, a behavior, among other options, can be understood in different ways or that triggers different interpretations, we use the word ambiguity to express such a situation.

When a saying generates several interpretations

“Her grim gesture upon hearing the news of María's imminent marriage reaffirms the ambiguity of her speech, saying that he is no longer in love with her..”

Doubt someone presents in a context or situation

And on the other hand, the word ambiguity is used for refer doubt, hesitation and uncertainty before something or someone. “With a lot of ambiguity he said that he would accompany us to the airport to look for his brother, so we do not know if he really will.”

Then, when an individual acts in the terms set forth, in both senses of the term ambiguity, we can assert in this regard that it is ambiguous.

Thus, for example, the politician who in public speeches affirms his commitment to fight in favor of the eradication of poverty and the creation of policies that promote a better quality of life for the lower and forgotten classes, but on the other hand, in their lives personal, brags about all the material possessions that he holds and tries to increase them, will be clearly being ambiguous.

Linguistic ambiguity: word or phrase that admits more than one interpretation at the same time

And at the behest of thelinguistics, we also find a reference for the word, since the linguistic ambiguity designates that word, phrase, or phrase, which at the same time admits two or more uses or interpretations.

For example, there are some words, like cat, that admit several uses, and then it will only be in their just context that it will be possible to understand its meaning for sure, since if it is mentioned without the adequate contextualization may give way to ambiguity.

Because cat can refer to the domestic animal, to the machine that allows to lift large weights at little height, or that woman with an easy life who in exchange for sexual favors receives money or gifts of the material.

Ideally, in any type of interaction with another or others, in which dialogue mediates, it is essential that we be clear if we want to be understood or transmit any question without equivocation, therefore, it is that we must use language and words that do not give way to any doubt or hesitation.

When you want to be ambiguous and why ...

Now, in some contexts or situations it may be that a person is looking for precisely that they do not understand, for some motivation especially, or because he wants to send an ambiguous message to, for example, create expectation in someone, or in the general public.

So in the latter case, it is well worth using ambiguity as an effective tool.

Our interlocutor will not know for sure the true intentions, which is precisely our objective.

When we want to hide some type of sensitive information, or that is compromising in some way for us or someone we want to protect, we will use words that In case they respond to a request for an answer but they are not clear or forceful so that in this way what we want to remain hidden by x is not revealed reason.

These motivations may have a good purpose, for example, that someone does not suffer for something, or failing that, have an illegal purpose.

There are many contexts and fields in which ambiguity is usually applied as a valid and effective resource When communicating messages that do not let the whole truth about the object or topic they refer to transcend, the politics, trade and business, literature, especially the branch of poetry, are some of them.

Inadmissibility of ambiguity in science

Meanwhile, we must exclude from ambiguity an area like science where ambiguity will undoubtedly be a stumbling block and problem when it comes to revealing investigations and the communication of scientific findings.

Because scientific explanations of any kind must be exact, clear, and forceful, without ever giving way to doubt or uncertainty.

Everything that is explained or said from this sector must be validated with a description clear, concrete, demonstrable and objective.

Topics in Ambiguity