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

In a tentative ruling filed earlier this week, Judge William Orrick said Wisk’s “evidence of misappropriation is too equivocal to warrant a preliminary injunction.”

From TechCrunch

The results are almost always negative, and when they are equivocal it rarely is an indication of actual illness.

From The Daily Beast

His answer was equivocal as Paul said his wife didn't want him to run.

From The Daily Beast

But his wavering and equivocal history on the marriage issue more properly suggests a profile in Jell-O.

From The Daily Beast

As America celebrated the bin Laden killing, the response in the Middle East was more equivocal.

From The Daily Beast

There never was a more equivocal expression; and such as it was then it still is.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole public law of Europe had its origin in equivocal expressions, beginning with the Salique law.

From Project Gutenberg

The climate of these animals is not therefore, equivocal; but it is more difficult to determine the relative bulk of each species.

From Project Gutenberg

He was "sick at heart of the equivocal position," and determined to "go on in a clearer path."

From Project Gutenberg

Even at first their acts were equivocal, and they soon came to be as illegal as they were oppressive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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