equivocal
Americanadjective
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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.
-
of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious.
the equivocal loyalty of many employees during the labor strike.
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of uncertain significance; not determined.
an equivocal attitude.
adjective
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capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous
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deliberately misleading or vague; evasive
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of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious
Pronunciation
The four-syllable word equivocal is sometimes said by those not entirely familiar with it as , 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: . 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.
Related Words
See ambiguous.
Other Word Forms
- equivocacy noun
- equivocality noun
- equivocally adverb
- equivocalness noun
- nonequivocal adjective
- nonequivocally adverb
Etymology
Origin of equivocal
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. )
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.
Robert Kennedy was equivocal on the phone about intervening.
Britain’s Ambassador to the United States America, Henry Mortimer Durand, offered a more equivocal assessment of Roosevelt than James had.
The Japanese prime minister's recent comments mark a departure from the equivocal position that the country has traditionally adopted on the status of Taiwan.
From BBC
The court also dropped an equivocal hint about how Smith might overcome the presumption of immunity.
From Los Angeles Times
In the face of big economic decisions, Modi sometimes seems equivocal.
From New York Times
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.
