different between irresolution vs ambiguity

English

Etymology

From French irrésolution, from ir- + résolution (“resolution”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /???z??lu???n/

Noun

irresolution (countable and uncountable, plural irresolutions)

1. Lack of resolution; lack of decision or purpose; vacillation.
   • 1796, Matthew Lewis, The Monk, Folio Society 1985, p. 238:

     Again he paced the chamber; but an involuntary movement of awe and inquietude constantly led his eye towards the alcove. He drew near it with irresolution.

Translations

References

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

English

Etymology

From Middle English ambiguite, from Old French ambiguite (French ambiguïté), from Latin ambiguitas.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /æmb???ju??ti/

Noun

ambiguity (countable and uncountable, plural ambiguities)

1. (countable) Something, particularly 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.

2. (uncountable) The state of being ambiguous.

Synonyms

• (state of being ambiguous): ambiguousness, imprecision, polysemy
• weasel word

Antonyms

• unambiguity

Related terms

• ambiguous

Translations