Equivocation: meaning, definitions and examples
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equivocation
[ ɪkwɪvəˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]
in logic
The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication.
Synonyms
ambiguity, evasion, prevarication.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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equivocation |
This word is often used in formal contexts to describe the use of ambiguous language to hide the truth or avoid commitment.
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ambiguity |
Ambiguity describes situations where something can be understood in more than one way, often unintentionally leading to confusion. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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evasion |
Primarily used to describe deliberate attempts to avoid giving a direct answer, usually regarded negatively. It's often seen in legal, political, or personal contexts.
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prevarication |
A more formal term often used to describe speaking in a way that is deliberately not clear, to mislead or avoid the truth. It has a negative connotation.
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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.
in law
The use of ambiguous language to mislead or deceive; prevarication.
Synonyms
ambiguity, deception, misrepresentation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
equivocation |
Often used when someone speaks or writes in a deliberately ambiguous way to avoid the truth or to mislead.
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ambiguity |
Refers to situations where something can be understood in more than one way; often used in literature, law, and everyday language when things are unclear or have multiple meanings.
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deception |
Used to describe situations where someone deliberately attempts to make another person believe something that is not true; carries a negative connotation.
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misrepresentation |
Pertains to providing false or inaccurate information, often used in legal or formal situations where the truth is required; has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His equivocation during the trial led to further investigations.
- The lawyer's equivocation raised doubts about his client's innocence.
in general usage
The act of using ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to mislead or avoid giving a direct answer.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
equivocation |
used in situations where someone is deliberately using vague or ambiguous language to deceive or to avoid giving a clear answer.
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evasion |
used to describe the act of avoiding or escaping from something, often used in legal or formal contexts.
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dodging |
used when someone is actively avoiding a question or responsibility, and it often has a negative connotation.
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ambiguity |
used when something is unclear or can have more than one interpretation, often unintentional.
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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.