equivocate
[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of equivocate
OTHER WORDS FROM equivocate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use equivocate in a sentence
We can equivocate all we want about the Washington Nationals’ lineup and whether the additions of Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber — both hoping for rebound years — are enough to protect Trea Turner and Juan Soto.
Jon Lester strengthens the Nationals’ biggest strength — and gives them an undeniable identity|Barry Svrluga|January 19, 2021|Washington Post
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012