ambi, amphi (both, around)

The Latin word ambi means 'on both sides' or 'both ways'. The Greek word amphi means the same thing, so I have grouped these prefixes in today's article.

Some words beginning with ambi:

ambidextrous (adj) - able to use either hand equally well. I am reminded of the humorous quip, "I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!".

ambiguous (adj) - having an obscure or double meaning; difficult to classify. The related noun is ambiguity. Many jokes and comedies rely on ambiguity and misunderstandings as well as the double or triple meanings of words and situations.

ambivalence (n) - coexistence in one person of opposing feelings towards a thing or person. The related adjective is ambivalent.

amphibian (n) - an animal that can live on land as well as water, for example, a frog. Amphibians are a class of vertebrate (e.g. frogs) with an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage. From amphibian we get the adjective amphibious, for example, an amphibious vehicle.

amphitheatre (n) - a circular unroofed building with tiers of seats surrounding a central space. The most spectacular amphitheatre in the world is Epidaurus (Epidavrus) in Greece. The theater is marveled for its exceptional acoustics. Tour guides have their groups scattered in the stands and show them how they can easily hear the sound of a match struck at center-stage.