equivocate
[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /
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verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing.
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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Origin of equivocate
OTHER WORDS FROM equivocate
Words nearby equivocate
equivalent focal length, equivalent weight, equivalve, equivocal, equivocally, equivocate, equivocation, equivoque, Equuleus, er, era
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for equivocate
British Dictionary definitions for equivocate
equivocate
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /
verb
(intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge
Derived forms of equivocate
equivocatingly, adverbequivocator, nounequivocatory, adjectiveWord Origin for equivocate
C15: from Medieval Latin aequivocāre, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivocal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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