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Suspense vs Ambiguity - What's the difference?

suspense | ambiguity | Related terms |

As nouns the difference between suspense and ambiguity

is that suspense is the condition of being suspended; cessation for a time while ambiguity is something, particulary words and sentences, that is open to more than one interpretation, explanation or meaning, if that meaning etc cannot be determined from its context.

As an adjective suspense

is held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.

suspense

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Noun

(-)
  • The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • a cool suspense from pleasure and from pain
  • the pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
  • The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
  • * Denham
  • Ten days the prophet in suspense remained.
  • (legal) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
  • Derived terms

    * suspenseful

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
  • * Milton
  • [The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
  • (obsolete) Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.
  • * Milton
  • Expectation held his look suspense .
    ----

    ambiguity

    Noun

  • (countable) Something, particulary words and sentences, that is open to more than one interpretation, explanation or meaning, if that meaning etc cannot be determined from its context.
  • His speech was made with such great ambiguity that neither supporter nor opponent could be certain of his true position.
  • (uncountable) The state of being ambiguous.
  • Synonyms

    * (state of being ambiguous) ambiguousness, imprecision

    Antonyms

    * unambiguity