ambi

Ambi is a combining form and prefix in English that conveys the sense of “both” or “on both sides.” It derives from the Latin ambi- (from ambo, meaning both) and is related to the Greek amphi-, which also expresses duality. In modern English, ambi- is a productive prefix used to form a range of words across different domains.

Words built with ambi- typically describe duality, bilateral capability, or mixed qualities. Ambidextrous refers to the ability to use both hands equally well. Ambiguous means open to two or more interpretations or meanings. Ambivalent describes having mixed or opposing feelings about something. Ambipolar is used in science, especially physics and chemistry, to describe a system that can conduct or respond to both positive and negative charge carriers. Ambisinister is a more archaic term meaning clumsy with both hands.

The prefix also appears in specialized scientific terms, where it helps capture notions of duality or dual functionality in materials, devices, or processes. In everyday language, ambi- remains most familiar through ambidextrous, ambiguous, and ambivalent, which are widely used across education, philosophy, and science.

See also: ambi- as a Latin prefix; related prefixes such as amphi- that express duality in Greek.