equivocate

[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
See synonyms for: equivocateequivocatingequivocator on Thesaurus.com

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.

Origin of equivocate

1
1375–1425; late Middle English <Medieval Latin aequivocātus, past participle of aequivocāre;see equivocal, -ate1

Other words for equivocate

Other words from equivocate

  • 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), out·e·quiv·o·cat·ed, out·e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
  • un·e·quiv·o·cat·ing, adjective

Words Nearby equivocate

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How to use equivocate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for equivocate

equivocate

/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /


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

Origin of equivocate

1
C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal

Derived forms of equivocate

  • equivocatingly, adverb
  • equivocator, noun
  • equivocatory, adjective

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