amphibology

noun

Meaning

A statement or phrase that is ambiguous due to its grammatical structure rather than the meaning of individual words.

Examples

  • The politician's speech was full of carefully constructed amphibology designed to avoid taking a firm stance on the issue.
  • Logicians often study amphibology to demonstrate how poor syntax can lead to fallacious reasoning.

Synonyms: ambiguity, equivocation, vagueness, amphiboly