unequivocally
Americanadverb
-
in a way that is clear and unambiguous.
The theme is unequivocally religious.
-
in a way that is not subject to conditions or exceptions.
He offered his forgiveness unequivocally.
Etymology
Origin of unequivocally
First recorded in 1690–1700; un- 1 ( def. ) + equivocally ( def. )
Explanation
Ideas that are presented unequivocally are given clearly, without causing doubt and confusion. At your lecture, you presented facts and charts, speaking unequivocally about the dangers of global warming. The adverb unequivocally strengthens the ideas in a statement as true and easy to understand. The word can be traced to the Latin aequivocus, meaning "ambiguous." The addition of the prefix "un" turns the meaning around to "not equivocally." Economist John Kenneth Galbraith once said, "All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time."
Vocabulary lists containing unequivocally
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many state officials say the answer is unequivocally yes.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
“I can tell you unequivocally, this FBI is targeting and investigating no journalists,” he said.
From Salon • May 16, 2026
Intertek said Friday that the decision was made unanimously and unequivocally.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
Space-related stocks have been unequivocally the big winners of late.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
“What about . . .” Milkman searched his memory for some white person who had shown himself unequivocally supportive of Negroes.
From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
