NCEES Principles and Practice of Surveying Practice Exam

Which type of ambiguity is not readily apparent on the face of a document?

1. Patent Ambiguity

2. Latent Ambiguity

3. Clear Ambiguity

4. Obvious Ambiguity

The correct answer is: Latent Ambiguity

Latent ambiguity occurs when the language of a document seems clear and unambiguous on the surface, but upon further examination or in the context of specific circumstances, it becomes unclear or open to multiple interpretations. This type of ambiguity often arises from external factors or additional information that is not evident within the document itself. For instance, a contract might specify a term that seems straightforward, yet the application of that term may depend on a condition or context not mentioned in the document. As a result, the meaning isn't apparent until additional context is introduced, thereby revealing the ambiguity. In contrast, patent ambiguity is clear to the reader upon a base-level reading of the document—an error or unclear term that is obvious right away. Clear or obvious ambiguity refers to terms that a typical reader would immediately recognize as problematic. These types can lead to confusion but are displayed more transparently than latent ambiguity, which requires that external context or specific circumstances to emerge.