Equivocate

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/

Alternative forms

• æquivocate archaic

Origin

From Medieval Latin aequivocātus, perfect passive participle of aequivocō ("I am called by the same name"), from Late Latin aequivocus ("ambiguous, equivocal"): confer French équivoquer. See equivocal.

Full definition of equivocate

Verb

1. (intransitive) To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate. -Edward Stillingfleet.
2. To render equivocal or ambiguous.He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. -George Buck.

Synonyms

• prevaricate
• evade
• shuffle
• quibble
• dodge
• adumbrate