unzweideutig

Unzweideutig is a German adjective meaning unambiguous or unequivocal. It describes statements, expressions, or signals that leave no room for misinterpretation and are easy to understand as intended.

Etymology and nuance: the word is formed from the prefix un- attached to zweideutig (ambiguous). While eindeutig is the more common everyday synonym for clear or definite, unzweideutig emphasizes the complete absence of ambiguity. The term is often found in formal writing, legal or normative texts, and contexts where precise communication is required.

Grammar and usage: unzweideutig declines like other adjectives and is used with nouns such as Aussage, Formulierung, or Hinweis. Examples include: Die Anweisung ist unzweideutig. Die Formulierung war unzweideutig formuliert. In many contexts, particularly technical or legal ones, it underscoringly contrasts with zweideutig oder mehrdeutig.

Relation to related terms: In linguistics and philosophy, unzweideutig relates to the broader distinction between unambiguous and ambiguous interpretations. The word shares a semantic field with eindeutig, which is more commonly used in everyday language to denote clarity or decisiveness. However, unzweideutig is employed when an emphasis on absolute clarity is intended.

See also: eindeutig, eindeutig formulieren; zweideutig; mehrdeutig; Ambiguität.