Definition:Amphiboly

Definition

An amphiboly is an ambiguity resulting from poor syntax.

Examples

$48 \div 2 \paren {9 + 3}$

can mean either:

$\dfrac {48} 2 \paren {9 + 3}$

or:

$\dfrac {48} {2 \paren {9 + 3} }$

In propositional logic, the lack of a defined precedence between the conjunction ("and") and disjunction ("or") means that such compound statements as:

$p \lor q \land r$

can be interpreted as either:

$\paren {p \lor q} \land r$

or:

$p \lor \paren {q \land r}$

Also see

• Definition:Ambiguity
• Definition:Equivocation
• Definition:Vague

Sources

• 1995: Merrilee H. Salmon: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking: $\S 2.2, \ \S 2.5$

• For a video presentation of the contents of this page, visit the Khan Academy.