Equivocation: meaning, definitions and examples

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equivocation

 

[ ɪkwɪvəˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in logic

The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication.

Synonyms

ambiguity, evasion, prevarication

Examples of usage

  • He accused the minister of equivocation and hypocrisy.
  • His speech was full of equivocation, making it difficult to understand his true intentions.
Context #2 | Noun

in law

The use of ambiguous language to mislead or deceive; prevarication.

Synonyms

ambiguity, deception, misrepresentation

Examples of usage

  • His equivocation during the trial led to further investigations.
  • The lawyer's equivocation raised doubts about his client's innocence.
Context #3 | Noun

in general usage

The act of using ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to mislead or avoid giving a direct answer.

Synonyms

ambiguity, dodging, evasion

Examples of usage

  • The politician's equivocation on the issue frustrated the public.
  • The company's equivocation regarding the layoffs caused confusion among employees.

Translations

Translations of the word "equivocation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equivocação

🇮🇳 भ्रम

🇩🇪 Zweideutigkeit

🇮🇩 kesamaran

🇺🇦 двозначність

🇵🇱 dwuznaczność

🇯🇵 曖昧さ

🇫🇷 équivocation

🇪🇸 equivocación

🇹🇷 iki anlamlılık

🇰🇷 애매모호함

🇸🇦 مراوغة

🇨🇿 dvojsmyslnost

🇸🇰 dvojznačnosť

🇨🇳 模棱两可

🇸🇮 dvoumnost

🇮🇸 tvíræðni

🇰🇿 еквивокация

🇬🇪 ამბივალენტურობა

🇦🇿 iki mənalıq

🇲🇽 equivocación

Etymology

The word 'equivocation' has its roots in Latin, where 'aequivocatio' means ambiguity or double meaning. It gained prominence in the English language during the 17th century. The concept of equivocation has been explored in various fields, including logic, law, and general communication, highlighting the importance of clarity and honesty in language usage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,950, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.