Question

6. Say whether the following words are (just) vague, (just) ambiguous, both vague and ambiguous, or neither. Briefly justify your answer. (a) Middle class (b) Odd number (c) Gold (d) Bank (e) Opportunity (f) Jaguar (g) Credit a. Middle class: b. Odd number: c. Gold: d. Bank e. Opportunity f. Jaguar g. Credit

Answer 1

Answer:

When something is vague, it is not being specific but when something is ambiguous, it has multiple meanings and so can be open to interpretation.

a. Middle class ⇒ Both VAGUE and AMBIGUOUS

Middle class is non specific because it is used as a blanket term for people or things not in either first or lower class. It also has multiple meanings.

b. Odd number ⇒ NEITHER

c. Gold ⇒ AMBIGUOUS

Gold has several meanings such as being a mineral, medium of exchange or even a color.

d. Bank ⇒ AMBIGUOUS

Bank also has different meanings. It could be a financial institution, land next to water or even a repository for blood.

e. Opportunity ⇒ VAGUE

Opportunity is vague unless the opportunity is described.

f. Jaguar ⇒ AMBIGUOUS

Jaguar has multiple means. It could be a animal or it could be a car.

g. Credit ⇒ AMBIGUOUS

Credit has several meaning as well. It could refer to loans, financial entry, increase in bank account etc.