equivocate

American  

[ih-kwiv-uh-keyt] / ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /

verb (used without object)

equivocated, equivocating

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.

   Synonyms:

   dodge, stall, evade

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equivocate British  

/ ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• equivocatingly
  adverb
• equivocator
  noun
• equivocatory
  adjective
• nonequivocating
  adjective
• outequivocate
  verb (used with object)
• unequivocating
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of equivocate

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

Explanation

When you are unwilling to make a decision and almost intentionally go back and forth between two choices, you are equivocating. When politicians equivocate, they are often afraid of upsetting, and thus alienating, voters with their decisions. A key part of equivocate is the root vocate, which comes from the Latin vocare or "voice." When you give your voice to two opposing views in order to mislead or keep your options open, you're equivocating. Think of the expression, to talk out of both sides of your mouth. If you want to go to a party and your parents keep saying "maybe, it depends," tell them to stop equivocating and give you a straight answer.