different between ambiguous vs mystical

English

Etymology

From Latin ambiguus (“moving from side to side, of doubtful nature”), from ambigere (“to go about, wander, doubt”), from ambi- (“around, about, on both sides”) + agere (“to drive, move”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /æm?b??ju?s/

Adjective

ambiguous (comparative more ambiguous, superlative most ambiguous)

1. Open to multiple interpretations.

   Synonym: equivocal

   Antonym: unambiguous

2. (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....

Related terms

• ambages
• ambiguity
• ambiguate
• ambiguation
• disambiguation

Translations

See also

• contradictory
• mistakable
• confusing

Further reading

• ambiguous in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• ambiguous in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

References

• John A. Simpson and Edward S. C. Weiner, editors (1989) , “ambiguous”, in The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press, ?ISBN

English

Alternative forms

• mysticall (obsolete)
• mystickal (obsolete)

Etymology

From mystic +? -al

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?st?k?l/, /?m?st?kl?/

Adjective

mystical (comparative more mystical, superlative most mystical)

1. Relating to mystics or mysticism.
2. Having a spiritual or magical significance that transcends human understanding.
3. Inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.

Related terms

• mysterious
• mystery
• mystic
• mysticality
• mysticalness
• mysticism
• mystify
• mystique

Translations

Further reading

• mystical in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.