equivocate
[ ih-kwiv-uh-keyt ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv əˌkeɪt /
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.
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RELATED WORDS
cheat, perjurer, storyteller, phony, trickster, fibber, deceiver, prevaricator, fabulist, promoter, fabricator, falsifier, maligner, deluder
Nearby words
- equivalent focal length,
- equivalent weight,
- equivalve,
- equivocal,
- equivocally,
- equivocation,
- equivocator,
- equivoque,
- equuleus,
- er
Origin of equivocate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
equivocate
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt) /
verb
(intr) to use vague or ambiguous language, esp in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge
Word 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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