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Polysemous vs Ambiguous - What's the difference?

polysemous | ambiguous |

As adjectives the difference between polysemous and ambiguous

is that polysemous is (linguistics) having multiple meanings or interpretations while ambiguous is open to multiple interpretations.

polysemous

English

Adjective

(-)
  • (linguistics) Having multiple meanings or interpretations.

    • Synonyms

    * polysemantic * polysemic

    Antonyms

    * monosemous

    Related terms

    * polysemy

    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

    *