equivocate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt/
• American: ih-KWIV-uh-kayt

Origin

From Late Latin "aequivocatus," past participle of "aequivocare," meaning "to call by equal names," from Latin "aequus" (equal) + "vocare" (to call)

Meanings

1. (verb) To use unclear or ambiguous language to avoid telling the truth or making a clear statement
2. (verb) To speak in a deliberately vague way to mislead or deceive

Example Sentences

• "When asked about the missing funds, the politician equivocated and never gave a direct answer."
• "Stop equivocating and tell me exactly what happened!"
• "The witness equivocated during cross-examination, making the jury suspicious."

Related Words

• Noun: equivocation
• Adjective: equivocal
• Adverb: equivocally
• Synonyms: prevaricate, hedge, evade, dodge, waffle

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "equi" (equal) + "voc" (voice/word) = speaking with double meanings
2. Think of someone trying to ride two horses at once (taking two equal positions) - they can't commit to one clear direction
3. Remember the phrase "Don't equivocate - communicate!" to recall its meaning of avoiding clear communication