equivocation

American  

[ih-kwiv-uh-key-shuhn] / ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the use of equivocal or ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead or hedge; prevarication.

2. an equivocal, ambiguous expression; equivoque.

   The speech was marked by elaborate equivocations.

3. Logic. a fallacy caused by the double meaning of a word.

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Etymology

Origin of equivocation

1350–1400; Middle English equivocacion < Late Latin aequivocātiōn- (stem of aequivocātiō ). See equivocate, -ion

Example Sentences

The move, and Carney's equivocation of his involvement with it, was criticised by the editorial board of Canada's national newspaper the Globe and Mail, which wrote on Thursday that Carney must be transparent with Canadians.

From BBC

Norris said he would welcome such a decision, but with a degree of equivocation.

From BBC

There was no equivocation on the part of the unanimous court.

From Seattle Times

“I can say utterly without equivocation that @ejeancarroll is one of the most gracious and forthright people I have ever met,” he wrote.

From Salon

Without any equivocation or complication, Prince Harry is coming to visit his father, travelling over from the US alone in the next few days.

From BBC

Related Words

• prevarication