equivocal

American  

[ih-kwiv-uh-kuhl] / ɪˈkwɪv ə kəl /

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.

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equivocal British  

/ ɪˈkwɪvəkəl /

adjective

1. capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous

2. deliberately misleading or vague; evasive

3. of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious

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Pronunciation

The four-syllable word equivocal is sometimes said by those not entirely familiar with it as , 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: . 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.

Related Words

See ambiguous.

Other Word Forms

• equivocacy noun
• equivocality noun
• equivocally adverb
• equivocalness noun
• nonequivocal adjective
• nonequivocally adverb

Etymology

Origin of equivocal

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; see origin at equi-, voice ( def. )

Explanation

Equivocal means uncertain or ambiguous. If you ask your teacher what's on an upcoming test and she gives you an equivocal answer, you won't be able to narrow down your studying. Equivocal is from the Latin aequus, "equal, the same," + vocare, "to call, to speak," and describes when something is too close to call. An editorial in your local newspaper might make a strong case for new taxes on soda, while another editorial is more equivocal. The fact that equivocal means "uncertain" and unequivocal means "certain" is tricky, and a lot of people get stumped.

Example Sentences

Britain’s Ambassador to the United States America, Henry Mortimer Durand, offered a more equivocal assessment of Roosevelt than James had.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024

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 • May 20, 2024

The experts I spoke with were oppositely equivocal, despite acknowledging the apparent quality control issues at Boeing.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2024

That speech turned an equivocal, a provisional victory on the field of battle—thanks to the alchemic power of Lincoln’s words—into a turning point in the history of American liberty.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

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