How to pronounce ambiguity
Say it like am-bih-GHYOO-uh-tee. Ambiguity has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GHYOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ambiguity. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- am
- bih
- GHYOO
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ambiguity pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- amGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- GHYOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of ambiguity
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: am-bih-GHYOO-ih-tee.
What does ambiguity mean?
- The state of being ambiguous; the state of leaving room for more than one interpretation.“His speech was made with such great ambiguity that neither supporter nor opponent could be certain of his true position.”
- An instance of this state: words or statements that are open to more than one interpretation, explanation or meaning, especially if that meaning cannot be determined from the context.
Where does ambiguity come from?
From Middle English ambiguite, from Old French ambiguite (French ambiguïté), from Latin ambiguitas, equivalent to ambiguous + -ity.
Words that rhyme with ambiguity
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ambiguity.
Questions about saying ambiguity
How do you pronounce ambiguity?
Say am-bih-GHYOO-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌæmbɪˈɡjuəti/. In British English it is /ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ambiguity?
Ambiguity has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (GHYOO). Broken into parts: am · bih · GHYOO · uh · tee.
Is ambiguity pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌæmbɪˈɡjuːɪti/ (am-bih-GHYOO-ih-tee).