disambiguation

American  

[dis-am-big-yoo-ey-shuhn] / dɪs æmˌbɪg yuˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of distinguishing between similar things, meanings, names, etc., in order to make the meaning or interpretation more clear or certain.

   Word sense disambiguation helps determine which meaning a word has in any given context.

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Etymology

Origin of disambiguation

dis- ¹ + ambigu(ous) + -ation

Explanation

Disambiguation refers to the removal of ambiguity by making something clear. Disambiguation narrows down the meaning of words. This word makes sense if you break it down. Dis means "not," ambiguous means "unclear," and the ending -tion makes it a noun. So disambiguation is the act of making something clear. Disambiguation distinguishes between different meanings of words. If you say the word joker, do you mean a playing card, a prankster, or a Batman villain? Disambiguation will clear things up. If you mention that you were playing poker, then it's clear which joker you're talking about. When you see the word disambiguation, think "clearing up confusion."

Example Sentences

Also discussed was Unsworth’s wife, Vanessa Unsworth, who I will call by her first name for disambiguation.

From The Verge • Dec. 6, 2019