Ambiguous vs Diffuse - What's the difference?
ambiguous | diffuse |
Open to multiple interpretations.
Vague and unclear.
(obsolete, of persons) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
* 1662 (Thomas Salusbury)
To spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
* Whewell
To be spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.
Everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.
As adjectives the difference between ambiguous and diffuse
is that ambiguous is open to multiple interpretations while diffuse is everywhere or throughout everything; not focused or concentrated.As a verb diffuse is
to spread over or through as in air, water, or other matter, especially by fluid motion or passive means.ambiguous
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
- He gave an ambiguous answer.
- And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous , and Simplicius is resolute....
Synonyms
* equivocalAntonyms
* unambiguous * preciseSee also
* contradictory * mistakable * confusingExternal links
* *References
*diffuse
English
Etymology 1
(etyl), from (etyl) diffusus, past participle ofVerb
(diffus)- We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations.
- Food coloring diffuses in water.
- The riot diffused quite suddenly.
Derived terms
* diffuserEtymology 2
(etyl) diffususAdjective
(en adjective)- Such a diffuse effort is unlikely to produce good results.
