equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.

1. to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge:

   When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.

   Synonyms: dodge, stall, evade

equivocate

/ ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt /

verb

1. intr to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge

Derived Forms

• eˈquivocatory, adjective
• eˈquivoˌcatingly, adverb
• eˈquivoˌcator, noun

Other Words From

• e·quivo·cating·ly adverb
• e·quivo·cator noun
• none·quivo·cating adjective
• oute·quivo·cate verb (used with object) outequivocated outequivocating
• une·quivo·cating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre; equivocal, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocate¹

C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal

Example Sentences

As Brookhiser fully appreciates—he does not equivocate or run from the truth—Lincoln was no radical, no abolitionist.

From The Daily Beast

"I won't equivocate," responded the head of the Falkins family with blunt directness.

From Project Gutenberg

At all events, for some reason, the ex-Attorney-General was afraid to accept this opportunity to equivocate.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not equivocate when I say that love is instinctive, and that the latter-day expression of love is artificial.

From Project Gutenberg

When one thus remains in the clouds, he need not fear to equivocate.

From Project Gutenberg

But her stainless heart was too proud in virtue to palter and equivocate with circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg