Amphilogism

/ˌæmfɪˈlɒdʒɪzəm/ noun

Definition

An ambiguous statement or argument that could be interpreted in multiple contradictory ways.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek 'amphi-' (both) + 'logos' (word/reason/argument) + '-ism' (condition). The term was used in logic and rhetoric to describe deliberately ambiguous reasoning.

Kelly Says

Amphilogism is the opposite of clear thinking—it's when someone makes a statement so ambiguous that it could mean completely opposite things, which is why politicians are often accused of it.

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