equivocation [ih-kwiv-uh -key -shuh n]
Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for equivocation on Thesaurus.com the use of equivocal or ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead or hedge; prevarication. an equivocal , ambiguous expression; equivoque: The speech was marked by elaborate equivocations. Logic a fallacy caused by the double meaning of a word. Show More
Origin of equivocation 1350–1400; Middle English equivocacion <
Late Latin aequivocātiōn- (stem of
aequivocātiō ). See
equivocate ,
-ion Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for equivocation prevarication ,
duplicity ,
delusion ,
waffle ,
casuistry ,
lie ,
coloring ,
deception ,
evasion ,
fib ,
ambiguity ,
tergiversation ,
song ,
speciousness ,
doubtfulness ,
deceit ,
line ,
misrepresentation ,
cover-up ,
cover Examples from the Web for equivocation Contemporary Examples of equivocation But diplomatic ambiguity that translates into equivocation and weakness is not helpful at all.
The equivocation leads Weisberg to shift the meaning of flexibility.
Romney was so proud of his pro-choice pedigree that he even tweaked his Senate opponent, Democrat Ted Kennedy, for equivocation .
Yeah, yeah, Chris said; or something like that—not buying my equivocation and pressing on with the subjunctive.
Historical Examples of equivocation "I go for stoppum Hicks' ranch," said Good Indian, without any attempt at equivocation .
Would she be sure to recognize any equivocation , and be angrier at that?
Had you equivocated in the slightest degree, I should have punished you for the equivocation .
But Peter had reached a point where he was tired of equivocation .
There must be no mistake about it; no room for doubt or equivocation , you know.
British Dictionary definitions for equivocation 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 Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for equivocation n. late 14c., "the fallacy of using a word in different senses at different stages of the reasoning" (a loan-translation of Greek homonymia , literally "having the same name"), from Old French equivocation , from Late Latin aequivocationem (nominative aequivocatio ), from aequivocus "of identical sound," past participle of aequivocare , from aequus "equal" (see equal (adj.)) + vocare "to call" (see voice (n.)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
