equivocate Hear it!

equivocate Definition

equivo·cate (ē kwiv′ə kāt′, i-)

intransitive verb -·cat′ed, -·cat′·ing

to use equivocal terms in order to deceive, mislead, hedge, etc.; be deliberately ambiguous

Etymology: ME equivocaten < ML aequivocatus, pp. of aequivocari, to have the same sound < LL aequivocus, of like sound < L aequus (see equal) + vox, voice

equivocate Related Forms
equiv′o·ca′·tion noun equiv′o·ca′·tor noun
equivocate Synonyms

equivocate

v.

hedge, dodge, prevaricate; see lie 1. See syn. study at lie.

equivocate Usage Examples

Preposition: on

  • meaning: Secondly, Menj equivocates on the meaning of terms.

Modifying Another Word

  • not: That is he did not equivocate on freedom of the press.
  • n't: They could n't equivocate on the majesty of His oratory.
  • still: I am certain something very sad has happened. ' The woman still equivocated fearing the effect upon my mother in her then situation.