amphibolous

[am-fib-uh-luhs]

adjective

1. ambiguous or equivocal, especially when due to the uncertain grammatical construction of a word or phrase.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphibolous¹

1635–45; < Latin amphibolus < Greek amphíbolos thrown on both sides, ambiguous, equivalent to amphi- amphi- + -bol- (verbid of bállein to throw) + -os -ous

Example Sentences

Never was there such an amphibolous quarrel Ð both parties declaring themselves for the king.

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An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction; e. g.,

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