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Equivocating: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivocating

 

[ ɪˈkwɪvɒkeɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

speaking ambiguously

Equivocating means to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing to a particular stance. This often involves making statements that can be interpreted in multiple ways, thus allowing the speaker to evade a direct answer. It is commonly used in discussions where clarity is paramount but is intentionally avoided by the speaker. Examples include political speeches or negotiations where clarity could lead to disadvantage. It reflects a lack of straightforwardness in communication.

Synonyms

avoiding, doubting, hedging, prevaricating

Examples of usage

  • The politician was equivocating during the interview about his stance on the issue.
  • When asked about her plans, she kept equivocating, making it hard to know her true intentions.
  • He was criticized for equivocating instead of giving a clear answer.
  • By equivocating, the spokesperson managed to dodge the tough questions from the press.

Translations

Translations of the word "equivocating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equivocando

🇮🇳 गलतफहमी करना

🇩🇪 irreführend

🇮🇩 menghindar

🇺🇦 ухилятися

🇵🇱 unikanie

🇯🇵 曖昧な

🇫🇷 équivoque

🇪🇸 equivocarse

🇹🇷 tereddüt etmek

🇰🇷 모호하게 하다

🇸🇦 يتردد

🇨🇿 nejasný

🇸🇰 nejasný

🇨🇳 模糊不清

🇸🇮 dvoumesten

🇮🇸 óljós

🇰🇿 қате түсіну

🇬🇪 შეცდომაში შეყვანა

🇦🇿 yanlış anlama

🇲🇽 equivocarse

Etymology

The term 'equivocate' emanates from the Latin 'aequivocus', which translates to 'having an equal voice'. The Latin word is composed of 'aequi-' meaning 'equal', and 'vocare', meaning 'to call' or 'to voice'. This etymology reflects the term's evolution towards its current usage in English, where it conveys the idea of expressing something in a way that allows for multiple interpretations. The word began to make its presence felt in the English language in the early 17th century. The usage of 'equivocating' has continued to hold its relevance in various fields, particularly in law and politics, where circumlocution can sometimes be strategically advantageous. As a result, it has become a common term in discussions surrounding communication, strategy, and ethical considerations. Equivocation can be seen as both a rhetorical tool and a moral dilemma, depending on the context in which it is employed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,064, 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.