Equivocal: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivocal

 

[ ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in decision-making

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous. Equivocal statements can often lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Synonyms

ambiguous, inconclusive, uncertain, vague

Examples of usage

  • His equivocal answer left us unsure of his true intentions.
  • The equivocal nature of the evidence made it difficult to reach a conclusion.
Context #2 | Adjective

in language

Ambiguous or having more than one possible meaning. Equivocal language can be misleading and deceptive.

Synonyms

ambiguous, indeterminate, uncertain, vague

Examples of usage

  • The equivocal wording of the contract led to disputes between the parties.
  • Her equivocal response did not provide a clear answer to the question.

Translations

Translations of the word "equivocal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equívoco

🇮🇳 संदिग्ध

🇩🇪 zweideutig

🇮🇩 ambigu

🇺🇦 двозначний

🇵🇱 dwuznaczny

🇯🇵 曖昧な

🇫🇷 équivoque

🇪🇸 equívoco

🇹🇷 belirsiz

🇰🇷 애매한

🇸🇦 غامض

🇨🇿 dvojsmyslný

🇸🇰 dvojsmyselný

🇨🇳 模棱两可的

🇸🇮 dvoumiseln

🇮🇸 tvíræð

🇰🇿 екіұшты

🇬🇪 ორაზროვანი

🇦🇿 ikibaşlı

🇲🇽 equívoco

Etymology

The word 'equivocal' comes from the Latin word 'aequivocus', which means 'of equal voice'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. The term originally referred to words or expressions with multiple meanings or interpretations, leading to uncertainty or ambiguity.

See also: egalitarian, equal, equalitarian, equality, equalization, equalize, equalizing, equally, equals, inequal, inequality, unequal, unequaled, unequalled, unequally.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,675, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.