Equivocate

verb (intransitive)

/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/

To use ambiguous or evasive language in order to avoid committing to a clear position or to conceal the truth, typically with intent to mislead. It implies deliberately speaking in a way that admits of more than one interpretation.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

When questioned in Parliament on whether the State had authorised the surveillance, the minister chose to equivocate, taking refuge in technical qualifications rather than offering the candid disclosure that democratic accountability demands.

Synonyms

prevaricatehedgedodgeevadefudgedissemble

Antonyms

specifyclarifyaffirmdeclare

🌱 Word Family

equivocation (n), equivocator (n), equivocal (adj), equivocally (adv), equivocatory (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin aequus = equal; vocare = to call (from vox = voice); Late Latin aequivocus = ambiguous

📜 Etymology

From early 15c., from Medieval/Late Latin aequivocare 'to call by the same name', from Late Latin aequivocus 'of equal voice, ambiguous', from Latin aequus 'equal' + vocare 'to call' (related to vox 'voice').

🧠 Memory Hook

Equi- (equal) + voc (voice): giving two interpretations an EQUAL VOICE so the listener cannot pin you down to one meaning.

🏛️ Governance 📖 Seen in: Governance, Transparency & Accountabil...

Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation