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Equivocate: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivocate

 

[ ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

To use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or to mislead.

Synonyms

dodge, evade, prevaricate, skirt the issue

Examples of usage

  • He tried to equivocate when asked about his involvement in the scandal.
  • She is known to equivocate when discussing sensitive topics.
  • Don't equivocate, just give a straight answer.
  • I can't stand it when politicians equivocate instead of giving a clear response.
  • The witness equivocated during the interrogation.

Translations

Translations of the word "equivocate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equivocar

🇮🇳 द्विअर्थी बात करना

🇩🇪 zweideutig sprechen

🇮🇩 mengelak

🇺🇦 ухилятися

🇵🇱 mówić niejasno

🇯🇵 曖昧な言葉を使う

🇫🇷 équivoquer

🇪🇸 equivocar

🇹🇷 kaçamak konuşmak

🇰🇷 모호하게 말하다

🇸🇦 يتكلم بغموض

🇨🇿 mluvit nejasně

🇸🇰 hovoriť nejasne

🇨🇳 含糊其词

🇸🇮 govoriti dvoumno

🇮🇸 tala óljóst

🇰🇿 бүркемелеу

🇬🇪 დაურვეველი საუბარი

🇦🇿 müəmmalı danışmaq

🇲🇽 equivocar

Etymology

The word 'equivocate' originated from the Latin word 'aequus' meaning 'equal' and 'vox' meaning 'voice'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The idea behind equivocation is to use language that is equal in meaning to more than one interpretation, leading to ambiguity or deception. In literature and rhetoric, equivocation has been used as a tool for persuasion and manipulation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,979, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.