Equivocal: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used when something could have multiple interpretations, especially if there is an intention to mislead or avoid commitment.

• Her response to the question was equivocal, leaving everyone unsure about her true feelings.
• The politician's equivocal statements fueled further speculation.

Use this word when referring to situations, statements, or words that are open to more than one interpretation and are unclear.

• The instructions were so ambiguous that no one was sure what to do.
• He gave an ambiguous answer that didn't clarify his position.

Use this word when describing a lack of certainty or confidence in what will happen or what is true.

• He felt uncertain about his decision to move to a new city.
• The weather forecast is uncertain; it might rain or it might be sunny.

This word should be used when something is unclear, lacking in detail, or hard to understand precisely.

• He gave a vague description of the event, which didn't help the investigation.
• Her directions were too vague, and as a result, they got lost.

This word is best used when describing results or outcomes that do not lead to a definite conclusion or do not provide enough information to make a clear decision.

• The medical tests were inconclusive, so more screening was needed.
• The jury found the evidence to be inconclusive and could not reach a verdict.

Used when something is intentionally unclear or has double meanings, often to mislead or avoid making a direct statement.

• His reply was equivocal, leaving everyone unsure of his true intentions
• The politician's equivocal answers raised more questions than they addressed

Used when something can be understood in more than one way and it's not clear which interpretation is correct. Often used in the context of language and communication.

• The ending of the movie was ambiguous, leaving the audience to decide their own interpretation
• The instructions for the task were ambiguous, causing confusion among the employees

Used when something is not clearly expressed, defined, or understood, often resulting in confusion or misinterpretation.

• Her explanation was vague, leaving everyone puzzled about what she meant
• The concept was too vague to be useful in solving the problem

Used to describe a state of doubt or lack of confidence, often about future events or outcomes.

• She felt uncertain about her decision to move to a new city
• The weather forecast is uncertain, so we should be prepared for anything

Used to describe something that cannot be fixed, known, or accurately defined, especially in a scientific or mathematical context.

• The scientist faced indeterminate results, making it difficult to draw any solid conclusions
• The time of the event is still indeterminate; we'll have to wait for more information