Which term describes the use of language that allows for multiple interpretations?

The term that describes the use of language that allows for multiple interpretations is ambiguity. Ambiguity occurs when a word, phrase, or statement can be understood in more than one way, leading to different possible meanings. This characteristic makes ambiguity a powerful tool in literature, as it enriches the text and engages readers by inviting them to explore various interpretations and meanings based on context, tone, and individual perspective.

In contrast, an analogy is a comparison between two different things to highlight some form of similarity, aiming primarily to explain or clarify an idea rather than to allow for multiple interpretations. An aphorism is a concise statement that conveys a general truth or principle and typically does not lend itself to varied interpretations. Anaphora involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, which serves a different purpose of emphasizing a particular idea rather than creating ambiguity.