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Equivocated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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equivocated

[ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

ambiguous statement

To equivocate means to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing to a position. It often involves speaking in a way that allows for multiple interpretations, leading to confusion about what is actually meant.

Synonyms

dodge, evade, prevaricate.

Examples of usage

  • The politician equivocated when asked about his stance on the issue.
  • She equivocated her response to avoid offending anyone.
  • In his speech, he equivocated too much, leaving the audience unsure of his intentions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may equivocate as a defense mechanism to avoid conflict or uncomfortable situations.
  • Studies show that ambiguity can lead to anxiety, causing individuals to hedge their statements to maintain a sense of control.

Literature

  • Famous playwrights, like Shakespeare, often used equivocation to create tension and character depth in their works.
  • In literature, characters who equivocate often embody themes of deceit or moral ambiguity, prompting readers to question their integrity.

Pop Culture

  • Politicians often use equivocation during debates to sidestep difficult questions without committing to a position.
  • In films and TV shows, characters who equivocate can create suspense and uncertainty, keeping audiences guessing about their true intentions.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the ethics of equivocation, highlighting its potential to mislead versus its ability to foster dialogue and nuance.
  • Some philosophical theories argue that equivocation can be a tool for exploring complex ideas without reducing them to binary choices.

Origin of 'equivocated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'equivocate' comes from Middle Latin, where 'aequivocare' means to call by the same name but with different meanings.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'aequus' (equal) and 'vocare' (to call), which reflects its nature in presenting two alternatives.

The term 'equivocate' comes from the Latin word 'aequivocare', which means 'to call by the same name' or 'to use a word with double meaning'. The Latin roots are 'aequi-' meaning 'equal' and 'vocare' meaning 'to call'. The word entered the English language in the early 17th century and was employed to describe a mode of speech that is deliberately ambiguous and therefore capable of being interpreted in more than one way. This sires from the context of legal and political discourse where clarity is often intentionally obscured to create room for flexibility in interpretation. Over time, 'equivocate' has maintained its connotation of dodging issues or providing misleading information through carefully crafted words.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,029, 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.