ambi etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Latin ambiguus ("doubtful, uncertain")
  • Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂em- ("to turn around, hesitate")

Meaning:

adjective

  • Having or showing two or more meanings or interpretations
  • Uncertain, doubtful, or indefinite
  • Having or involving conflicting emotions, intentions, or opinions

Origin:

The word "ambi" entered English from Latin in the 16th century. It is a shortened form of "ambiguus," which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂em-," meaning "to turn around, hesitate."

This root also gave rise to the following words:

  • Ambidextrous: able to use both hands with equal ease
  • Ambiguity: the quality of being uncertain or doubtful
  • Ambivalence: the simultaneous presence of opposing emotions, intentions, or opinions
  • Ambivert: a person who exhibits both introvert and extrovert personality traits

ambi relate terms

  • ambidexterity

    Etymology Ambi Latin both dexter Latin right hand Meaning Ambidexteri

  • ambi

    Etymology Late Latin ambiguus doubtful uncertain Ultimately from Proto Indo Europe

  • ambidextrous

    Etymology The word ambidextrous originates from two Latin words ambi meaning bot

  • ambi

    Etymology Late Latin ambiguus doubtful uncertain Ultimately from Proto Indo Europe

  • ambivalence

    Etymology Latin ambi both valentia strength worthiness Meaning A state

  • combustion

    Etymology The word combustion comes from Latin comburere to burn com prefi

  • ambiguous

    Etymology Ambiguous etymology refers to words whose origin and history are uncertain or

  • amble

    Etymology The word amble is derived from the Old French word ambler which means to

  • bust

    Etymology The word bust has two distinct etymologies depending on its meaning Meaning

  • intuitive

    Etymology Latin intuere to gaze at consider understand Intuitio a looking at

  • cousin

    Etymology The word cousin comes from the Old French word cosin which in turn is deri

  • sufficient

    Etymology The word sufficient comes from the Latin word sufficientis which itself i

  • bingo

    Etymology The word bingo is thought to have originated from the French word bingot wh