equivocation
Americannoun
-
the act or an instance of equivocating
-
logic a fallacy based on the use of the same term in different senses, esp as the middle term of a syllogism, as the badger lives in the bank, and the bank is in the High Street, so the badger lives in the High Street
Etymology
Origin of equivocation
1350–1400; Middle English equivocacion < Late Latin aequivocātiōn- (stem of aequivocātiō ). See equivocate, -ion
Explanation
If your boss asks you where all the merchandise went and you say, "someone took it," omitting that the "someone" in question is you, that's equivocation: using ambiguous language to hide the truth. Equivocation comes from the Latin for "equal" and "naming," and in equivocation, you use a word that could have a few different meanings, all technically equal, in order to mask what you really mean. It's a great way to not-quite lie, but still avoid taking the blame for something you did, which is why equivocation is never a good thing. You may recognize this kind of speech from watching (some) politicians on TV.
Vocabulary lists containing equivocation
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Analyzing Arguments: From Reading to Writing (Chapter 3)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Speech and Debate
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Historically, PEN has stated its antiboycott position without equivocation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
Layered into this equivocation was an even deeper distortion.
From Slate ● Apr. 21, 2025
“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 ● Mar. 11, 2024
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 ● Feb. 5, 2024
He thought how ten minutes ago—yes, only ten minutes— there had still been equivocation in his heart as he wondered whether the news from the front would be of victory or defeat.
From "1984" by George Orwell
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.
