Something that is unclear is not clear or definite. Another way to describe something unclear is to call it ambiguous; however, true to form, the meaning of ambiguous is not entirely straightforward! Ambiguous sometimes means obscure or indistinct, as in the case of a shape off in the distance, the outline of which is hard to discern. But when describing a statement, act, or attitude—or even a situation or relationship—ambiguous suggests a lack of clarity due to several meanings or possible interpretations.

To be overwhelmed by something is to be overcome by it completely in mind or feeling. A person might be overwhelmed with emotion on a momentous day. The verb inundate, while defined as “to overwhelm,” is used slightly differently. The primary meaning of inundate is “to flood” or “to cover or overspread with water.” Even when inundate is used in a context firmly planted on dry ground, the suggestion of a deluge, at least a figurative one as represented by great numbers of something, remains. For instance, if a columnist is inundated with letters from angry readers, he or she is swimming in negative feedback.

Respect is a sense of the worth or excellence of a person or of a personal quality. Esteem refers to a favorable opinion or judgment, as of a person. Whereas respect can suggest courtesy out of a sense of duty or propriety, the slightly warmer esteem usually implies deference rooted in admiration or tinged with affection. While you’re likely to hear the noun respect used with the verb have, as in “I have great respect for him,” esteem is more likely to be held: “I hold her in high esteem.”