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View synonyms for equivocal

equivocal

[ ih-kwiv-uh-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. 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.

  2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious:

    the equivocal loyalty of many employees during the labor strike.

  3. of uncertain significance; not determined:

    an equivocal attitude.



equivocal

/ ɪˈkwɪvəkəl /

adjective

  1. capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous
  2. deliberately misleading or vague; evasive
  3. of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Pronunciation Note

The four-syllable word equivocal is sometimes said by those not entirely familiar with it as [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, -b, uh, l], 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: [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, l]. 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.
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Derived Forms

  • eˌquivoˈcality, noun
  • eˈquivocally, adverb
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Other Words From

  • e·quivo·cali·ty e·quiv·o·ca·cy [ih-, kwiv, -, uh, -k, uh, -see], noun
  • e·quivo·cal·ly adverb
  • e·quivo·cal·ness noun
  • none·quivo·cal adjective
  • none·quivo·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocal1

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 )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of equivocal1

C17: from Late Latin aequivocus, from Latin equi- + vōx voice
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

In a tentative ruling filed earlier this week, Judge William Orrick said Wisk’s “evidence of misappropriation is too equivocal to warrant a preliminary injunction.”

The results are almost always negative, and when they are equivocal it rarely is an indication of actual illness.

His answer was equivocal as Paul said his wife didn't want him to run.

But his wavering and equivocal history on the marriage issue more properly suggests a profile in Jell-O.

As America celebrated the bin Laden killing, the response in the Middle East was more equivocal.

There never was a more equivocal expression; and such as it was then it still is.

The whole public law of Europe had its origin in equivocal expressions, beginning with the Salique law.

The climate of these animals is not therefore, equivocal; but it is more difficult to determine the relative bulk of each species.

He was "sick at heart of the equivocal position," and determined to "go on in a clearer path."

Even at first their acts were equivocal, and they soon came to be as illegal as they were oppressive.

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equivalveequivocally