unambiguously
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnæmbˈɪɡjuːəsli/
US
- /ənæmˈbɪɡjuəsli/
Description
- clearly
- unmistakably
- in a way that cannot be misunderstood
- with only one meaning
- without confusion
Imagine you are giving someone directions to a hidden place. You want your words to be so clear that the other person cannot take them the wrong way. That is what this word is about. It describes speaking, writing, or showing something in a way that leaves no room for confusion, double meanings, or misunderstanding. Think of it as cutting through fog with a bright light. For example, a legal contract should be written this way so that every person knows their exact duty. If a sign says "No Parking," the message should be understood in one clear way, with no "ifs," "ands," or "buts" about where you can leave your car.
The adverb *unambiguously describes an action performed or a statement made in a way that is clear and leaves no room for doubt or more than one interpretation. Linguistically, it is built from the prefix "un-" (meaning "not") and the root "ambiguous" (meaning "open to more than one interpretation"). So, to do something unambiguously* is to do it in a direct and precise way, without leaving people to guess what is meant.
In daily life, you often see this word when clarity matters a lot. You might say a politician answered a hard question *unambiguously, meaning they gave a direct answer without hedging or trying to avoid the point. In science, someone might say that a study showed something unambiguously*, meaning the results pointed clearly in one direction and did not support a different reading.
This word often appears in situations where precision is important. In legal documents, technical instructions, rules, warnings, or major public announcements, communicating *unambiguously helps prevent arguments, errors, and costly mistakes. Think of a blueprint for a skyscraper: the measurements must be stated unambiguously, or builders could misunderstand them. When you communicate unambiguously*, your meaning reaches people exactly as you intend, with as little chance of confusion as possible.
Examples
- 1
Signs
The sign unambiguously says that parking is not allowed here.
- 2
Instructions
The teacher was unambiguously clear about when the homework was due.
- 3
Reports
The report unambiguously shows that sales fell after the price increase.
- 4
Personal decision
She said unambiguously that she would not be moving abroad after all.
- 5
Legal ruling
The judge ruled unambiguously in favor of the tenants.
Pattern
rule in favor of + person/side
officially decide to support that person or side
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unambiguouslyadverb