equivocal

[ ih-kwiv-uh-kuhl ]

adjective

1. allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, especially with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous:

   an equivocal answer.

2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious:

   the equivocal loyalty of many employees during the labor strike.

3. of uncertain significance; not determined:

   an equivocal attitude.

equivocal

/ ɪˈkwɪvəkəl /

adjective

1. capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous
2. deliberately misleading or vague; evasive
3. of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious

Pronunciation Note

The four-syllable word equivocal is sometimes said by those not entirely familiar with it as [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, -b, uh, l], as if it were a five-syllable word, equivocable. This is probably the result of conflation with the pronunciations heard for many common adjectives that do end with -cable, as applicable, communicable, despicable, and eradicable. However, if you split equivocal in half, as equi- + -vocal, the relation of its spelling to its origin and meanings becomes more clear. Think “equal voices,” two or more voices in conflict over a meaning, attitude, statement, etc., resulting in ambiguity, indecision, or deception. Recombine equi- + -vocal, put the main stress on the second syllable, and you have it: [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, l]. The form with the extra syllable is not found in educated writing, nor are any of its matching derivatives, like equivocably, unequivocable, and unequivocably. These are not considered standard variants and are best avoided in writing and speech.

Derived Forms

• eˌquivoˈcality, noun
• eˈquivocally, adverb

Other Words From

• e·quivo·cali·ty e·quiv·o·ca·cy [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, -see], noun
• e·quivo·cal·ly adverb
• e·quivo·cal·ness noun
• none·quivo·cal adjective
• none·quivo·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocal¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English equivoc (from Late Latin aequivocus “ambiguous,” equivalent to Latin aequi- “equal” + vōc-, stem of vōx “voice” + -us adjective suffix) + -al ¹; equi-, voice ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocal¹

C17: from Late Latin aequivocus, from Latin equi- + vōx voice

Synonym Study

See ambiguous.

Example Sentences

The court also dropped an equivocal hint about how Smith might overcome the presumption of immunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has given equivocal indications about his abortion policies in a second term.

From Los Angeles Times

In the face of big economic decisions, Modi sometimes seems equivocal.

From New York Times

Labour gave the impression, overall, of being equivocal about the UK’s nuclear weapons.

From BBC

And while he has issued public apologies, Goecke has remained more defiant than contrite, and disturbingly equivocal: He has both admitted to overreacting and also tried to justify his behavior.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ambiguous
• ambivalent
• dubious
• evasive
• muddled
• puzzling
• unclear
• vague