What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cagey
Example
He was cagey about his plans for the weekend. [cagey: adjective]
Example
The politician gave a cagey response when asked about the controversial issue. [cagey: adjective]
ambiguous
Example
The instructions were ambiguous, and I wasn't sure what to do. [ambiguous: adjective]
Example
Her answer to the question was ambiguous, leaving us confused. [ambiguous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambiguous is more commonly used than cagey in everyday language. Ambiguous is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, while cagey is less common and often used in specific situations where someone is being cautious or evasive.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cagey and ambiguous?
Both cagey and ambiguous can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cagey may be perceived as more informal or colloquial due to its negative connotation, while ambiguous is more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
