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.
-
of uncertain significance; not determined.
an equivocal attitude.
adjective
-
capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous
-
deliberately misleading or vague; evasive
-
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
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; see origin at equi-, voice ( def. )
Explanation
Equivocal means uncertain or ambiguous. If you ask your teacher what's on an upcoming test and she gives you an equivocal answer, you won't be able to narrow down your studying. Equivocal is from the Latin aequus, "equal, the same," + vocare, "to call, to speak," and describes when something is too close to call. An editorial in your local newspaper might make a strong case for new taxes on soda, while another editorial is more equivocal. The fact that equivocal means "uncertain" and unequivocal means "certain" is tricky, and a lot of people get stumped.
Vocabulary lists containing equivocal
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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.
The study, "Equivocal support for the climate variability hypothesis within a Neotropical bird assemblage," is published in Ecology.
From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024
Gutman is the author of two novels, "Equivocal Death" and "The Anniversary," and a senior facilitator with the OpEd Project.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2015
Housemother Equivocal Idyll But before the Ryndam left Rome, the Pope learned something more about circummundane education, which in this instance was coeducation.
From Time Magazine Archive
The panel also found fault with an investigator who hinted at nerve damage among Love Canal residents: "Equivocal or ambiguous observations are likely to do more harm than good."
From Time Magazine Archive
He did not deny that Equivocal Generation happened; there were neither positive proofs for nor against its taking place.”
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 "Hudson River" to "Hurstmonceaux" by Various
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.
