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

And Mike Johnson, who could well remain speaker of the House when it convenes on Jan. 6, 2025, to count the Electoral College votes, has been frighteningly equivocal when asked to commit to a fair vote count.

From Slate

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

From Los Angeles Times

A more truthful ad might say that studies are equivocal or, as the widower of one patient drawn in by an ad wrote in an op-ed article: “an outside chance for people with advanced lung cancer to live just a few months longer.”

From Salon

Others are equivocal about the jobs data.

From BBC

Related Words

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