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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for equivocate
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
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