Prevaricate: meaning, definitions and examples
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prevaricate
[ prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt ]
in conversation
Prevaricate means to speak or act in an evasive way, often to avoid telling the truth or making a clear decision. It is a form of deception or deceit, where one avoids a direct answer or response.
Synonyms
dodge, equivocate, evade, skirt around
Examples of usage
- He prevaricated when asked about his involvement in the scandal.
- She tends to prevaricate when faced with difficult questions.
formal writing
Prevaricate can also mean to stray away from the truth or deviate from the right path. It implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or deceive, often by using ambiguous or misleading language.
Synonyms
deceive, fabricate, fudge, mislead
Examples of usage
- The witness was caught prevaricating during the cross-examination.
- Some politicians are known to prevaricate to avoid taking a clear stance on controversial issues.
Translations
Translations of the word "prevaricate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prevaricar
🇮🇳 टालमटोल करना
🇩🇪 ausweichen
🇮🇩 menghindar
🇺🇦 ухилятися від відповіді
🇵🇱 wykręcać się
🇯🇵 言葉を濁す
🇫🇷 éluder
🇪🇸 prevaricar
🇹🇷 gevelemek
🇰🇷 얼버무리다
🇸🇦 راوغ
🇨🇿 vykrucovat se
🇸🇰 vykrúcať sa
🇨🇳 支吾其词
🇸🇮 izogibati se odgovoru
🇮🇸 forðast svar
🇰🇿 жалтару
🇬🇪 თავიდან აცილება
🇦🇿 yayınmaq
🇲🇽 prevaricar
Word origin
The word 'prevaricate' originated from the Latin word 'praevaricatus', which means 'to straddle' or 'to walk crookedly'. Over time, it evolved to mean speaking or acting in an evasive or deceitful manner. The term has been used in English since the 16th century, gaining popularity in the context of deception and dishonesty.