Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Uncertain as a sign or indication: Not clear or definite in meaning or outcome; ambiguous.
   • Open to question or doubt: Of questionable character or sincerity; dubious.
   • Open to two or more interpretations; ambiguous: Having more than one possible meaning, often with an intent to mislead or be non-committal.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The scientific data was equivocal, making it difficult to draw a firm conclusion.
  • The politician gave an equivocal answer to avoid taking a clear stance on the issue.
  • Her equivocal loyalty made it hard to trust her during the crisis.

Advanced Usage

• In a legal or formal context: Used to describe evidence, testimony, or statements that are not conclusive or are deliberately vague.
  • The witness's equivocal testimony did not help the jury reach a verdict.
• Describing character or morality: Used to indicate dubious or questionable ethics.
  • The deal was sealed with an equivocal handshake, leaving everyone uneasy about the terms.

Variants and Related Words

• Equivocally (adverb): In an ambiguous or non-committal way.
  • He spoke equivocally about his future plans.
• Equivocality (noun): The quality of being ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations.
  • The equivocality of the contract's language led to a dispute.

Synonyms

• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation.
• Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite character.
• Dubious: Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
• Non-committal: Not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action.

Antonyms

• Unequivocal: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.
• Clear: Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.

Idioms and Phrases

• To be of equivocal value: To have questionable or uncertain worth.
  • The antique's authenticity was of equivocal value, so the collector hesitated.
• An equivocal victory: A win that is not clear-cut or is achieved under questionable circumstances.
  • Winning the debate by distracting the opponent was an equivocal victory at best.

Adjective

1. uncertain as a sign or indication
   • the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal
2. open to question
   • aliens of equivocal loyalty
   • his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son-Anna Jameson
3. open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
   • an equivocal statement
   • the polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
   • the officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
   • popularity is an equivocal crown
   • an equivocal response to an embarrassing question