ambiguous notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambiguous notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas or concepts that are unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Example: "The term 'freedom' can often lead to an ambiguous notion, as different people may define it in various ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These days, happiness seems a far more ambiguous notion in this place, which has again come to represent a messy and awkward point of collision between rich and poor, north and south.

The New York Times

It's undeniable that this US presidential election campaign has showcased the hugely threatening potential of the form, but let's focus for a minute on what internet memes were originally built to serve: namely, the deeply ambiguous notion of banter.

The Guardian

It has been argued that "ceteris paribus" is an ambiguous notion.

SEP

Democracy, its institutions and representative bodies, seem to shrink to insignificance when confronted with the specter of "national interest," an ambiguous notion defined by a few politicians, their unelected entourage and a network of powerful lobbies and interest groups.

Huffington Post

Similar or dissimilar substrate is (a) an ambiguous notion (is adenylsulfate similar to gluconate?) and (b) not that important (glycerol and gluconate are distinct enough).

Biology Direct

[T]he quality of teaching (an inherently ambiguous notion) tends to be formally ascertained by the quality of the procedures that are thought to lead to good teaching.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yes, we now live in a country with national marriage equality yet we also live in a country where one of our two major political parties is currently advancing an agenda to legalize anti-LGBTQ discrimination based on ambiguous notions of "religious freedom".

Vice

On the other hand, as an as ambiguous, versatile notion that requires a more detailed and comprehensive analysis.

Triple Helix

Thesis (A) is ambiguous between two notions of simulation.

SEP

The new formulation is less determinate and more contentious, for it relies on "meaning," an ambiguous and theoretically contentious notion.

SEP

McMullin (2009), on the other hand, does not include simplicity because the notion is ambiguous, and because there are no conclusive arguments that simpler theories are more likely to be true, or empirically adequate.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ambiguous notion", be prepared to provide context or clarification to avoid confusion. If possible, follow up with a more precise explanation or definition.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "ambiguous notion" without providing any context or further explanation. Readers may struggle to understand what you're referring to if the ambiguity is not addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous notion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ambiguous" modifies the noun "notion". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a concept that lacks clear definition. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English, specifically when concepts are unclear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

62%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambiguous notion" is a valid and useful expression for describing concepts that lack clarity or have multiple interpretations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for written English, particularly when discussing ideas that are not well-defined. While the phrase is grammatically correct and understood, remember to provide sufficient context or clarification to avoid reader confusion. Alternatives such as "vague concept" or "unclear idea" may be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance. Its usage is primarily found in news, media, and scientific domains, suggesting a formal register. While not exceptionally common, its presence in reputable sources confirms its acceptability in standard English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague concept

Replaces "ambiguous" with "vague", implying a lack of clarity or precision.

unclear idea

Substitutes both words to emphasize lack of clarity.

ill-defined concept

Highlights the lack of a clear definition.

imprecise understanding

Focuses on the lack of exactness in comprehension.

fuzzy concept

Uses a more informal term, "fuzzy", to describe a lack of clarity.

nebulous idea

Emphasizes the indistinct or cloudy nature of the idea.

murky concept

Implies that the idea is unclear and difficult to understand.

uncertain concept

Highlights the lack of certainty or sureness.

equivocal notion

Uses a more formal term, "equivocal", indicating ambiguity or doubt.

dubious concept

Highlights doubt or uncertainty about the concept's validity.

FAQs

How can I use "ambiguous notion" in a sentence?

You can use "ambiguous notion" to describe concepts or ideas that lack clarity or have multiple interpretations. For example, "The concept of 'corporate social responsibility' is often an "ambiguous notion", as its definition varies among different organizations."

What are some alternatives to "ambiguous notion"?

Some alternatives include "vague concept", "unclear idea", or "ill-defined concept". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. See more alternatives "vague concept".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "ambiguous notion"?

In most cases, clarity is preferred. However, "ambiguous notion" can be useful when acknowledging the inherent uncertainty or complexity of a concept. Follow it with further clarification to avoid misunderstandings.

What does it mean when something is described as an "ambiguous notion"?

It means that the idea or concept is not clearly defined and can be interpreted in multiple ways. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion or disagreement.