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Ambiguous vs Misunderstand - What's the difference?

ambiguous | misunderstand |

As an adjective ambiguous

is open to multiple interpretations.

As a verb misunderstand is

to understand incorrectly, while thinking one has understood correctly.

ambiguous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Open to multiple interpretations.
    • The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
  • Vague and unclear.
    • He gave an ambiguous answer.
  • (obsolete, of persons) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
  • * 1662 (Thomas Salusbury)
    • And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous , and Simplicius is resolute....

    Synonyms

    * equivocal

    Antonyms

    * unambiguous * precise

    Related terms

    * ambiguity * ambiguate * ambiguation * disambiguation

    See also

    * contradictory * mistakable * confusing

    External links

    * *

    References

    *

    misunderstand

    English

    Verb

  • To understand incorrectly, while thinking one has understood correctly.