different between ambiguous vs impalpable

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

Etymology

From Middle French impalpable, from Medieval Latin impalpabilis. See im- +? palpable.

Adjective

impalpable (comparative more impalpable, superlative most impalpable)

1. Not able to be perceived by the senses (especially by touch); intangible or insubstantial.
2. Not easily grasped or understood.

Translations

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??.pal.pabl/

Adjective

impalpable (plural impalpables)

1. impalpable

Spanish

Adjective

impalpable (plural impalpables)

1. impalpable

Derived terms

• azúcar impalpable