objective ambiguity
[/əbˈdʒɛktɪv æmˈbɪɡjuːəti/]
nounpl: objective ambiguities
ambiguidade objetiva
1. A state where something has multiple valid interpretations or meanings based on its inherent properties, structure, or content rather than on the observer's perspective or subjective understanding
The contract contained objective ambiguity because the terms could reasonably be interpreted in two different ways by any reader.
O contrato continha ambiguidade objetiva porque os termos poderiam ser razoavelmente interpretados de duas formas diferentes por qualquer leitor.
2. In law, ambiguity that exists in the text itself, making it unclear without reference to external context or intent
The statute suffered from objective ambiguity, making it difficult for courts to apply without legislative clarification.
A lei sofria de ambiguidade objetiva, dificultando a aplicação pelos tribunais sem esclarecimento legislativo.
3. In linguistics and communication, unclear or equivocal expression that stems from the linguistic structure itself rather than the speaker's intent
The sentence 'I saw the man with the telescope' contains objective ambiguity due to its grammatical structure.
A frase 'Vi o homem com o telescópio' contém ambiguidade objetiva devido à sua estrutura gramatical.
This term is primarily used in formal, academic, and legal contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it appears frequently in law school curricula and judicial decisions, particularly when discussing contract interpretation and statutory construction. In the United States, the concept is essential in legal hermeneutics and is often invoked in contract disputes and constitutional interpretation debates.
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