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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


equivocal

adjective

Definition: 1. open to question or interpretation; 2. difficult to understand

Synonyms: ambiguous, dubious, questionable, uncertain, cryptic, confusing, unclear, ambivalent, suspicious

Antonyms: clear, certain

Tips: Equivocal comes from the Latin aequivocus, "equal-voiced." Something ambiguous or equivocal is unclear because it seems to represent both sides. It leaves the door open for two or more interpretations. Conversely, the commonly heard word unequivocal describes that which leaves no doubt or misunderstanding. An equivocation is a statement which is deliberately vague or ambiguous. And finally, to equivocate is to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.

Usage Examples:

I am voting for him because he always responds to tough questions with a direct answer and never tries to equivocate. (mislead, confuse) verb

Her father grew tired of her equivocations and her ability to twist the truth. (ambiguities, misleading statements) noun

The equivocal trial results left the scientists bickering about how to interpret the outcome. (ambiguous, unclear)

Her letter of resignation is unequivocal and leaves no doubt as to why she is leaving the company. (clear, certain)


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