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Equivocate: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivocate

 

[ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt ]

Definition

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
equivocate

This word is used when someone speaks ambiguously to avoid giving a direct answer, often in a way that is intentionally misleading or confusing.

  • When asked about the company's future, the CEO began to equivocate, offering vague and noncommittal responses
prevaricate

This word implies telling a falsehood or lying in a sneaky way to avoid the truth, and has a strong negative connotation.

  • The politician was known to prevaricate during difficult interviews, making it hard to trust his words
dodge

Often used informally, this word suggests avoiding a direct question or responsibility, typically in a way that seems evasive or crafty.

  • He tried to dodge the question about his past by changing the subject
evade

Used when someone avoids confronting a direct question or responsibility, sometimes implying they are doing so to escape potential negative consequences.

  • She evaded the reporter's question about her involvement in the scandal
skirt the issue

This phrase means to avoid discussing a problematic or controversial subject directly. It often indicates a strategic or deliberate effort to sidestep the topic.

  • Instead of addressing the budget cuts, the manager chose to skirt the issue by discussing future projects

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aequivocare' meaning 'to call by the same name,' indicating a sense of ambiguity.
  • It made its way into English in the early 17th century, reflecting the complexity of speaking on sensitive topics.

Psychology

  • Studies show that equivocation can be a defense mechanism, helping individuals avoid conflict or preserve relationships.
  • Individuals often equate deceptive speech patterns with a lack of trustworthiness, increasing skepticism.

Literature

  • Famous literary works, like Shakespeare's plays, frequently explore themes of equivocation, particularly in characters navigating moral ambiguity.
  • In 'Macbeth', characters use equivocation to mask their intentions, illustrating the slippery nature of truth.

Pop Culture

  • Equivocation is a common theme in political speeches, where leaders often speak ambiguously to appeal to diverse audiences without committing to specifics.
  • Reality TV shows often showcase contestants using equivocation to avoid direct answers during interviews or confrontations.

Communication Studies

  • Studies in communication indicate that people utilize equivocal language in negotiation settings to maintain flexibility in their positions.
  • Effective communication often involves clear language, yet equivocation can sometimes serve strategic purposes in debates or discussions.

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

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.