Ambiguity

Ambiguity

In ordinary usage "ambiguity" is applied to a fault in style; that is, the use of a vague or equivocal expression when what is wanted is precision (noun. the quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.) and particularity of reference. Since William Empson published Seven Types of Ambiguity (1930), however, the term has been widely used in criticism to identify a deliberate poetic device: the use of a single word or expression to signify two or more distinct references, or to express two or more diverse attitudes or feelings. Multiple meaning and plurisignation (Extract. A term it means, literally, several or many signs or marks to indicate that a word, a passage or a whole work may have various levels and meanings of what is described as 'semantic thrust'.) are alternative terms for this use of language; they have the advantage of avoiding the pejorative association with the word "ambiguity."