'amphiboly' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphibolia,' where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'bole' meant 'a throw or a cast.'

'amphibolia' transformed into the Latin word 'amphibolia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amphiboly' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a double meaning or ambiguity,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.