equivocate

/i'kwivəkeit/
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equivocate

The politician began to equivocate when asked about the budget.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To use ambiguous or unclear language deliberately, often to avoid committing to a position, to mislead, or to withhold information. It involves being evasive in speech.
Usage
  • The verb equivocate is typically used in formal or critical contexts to describe dishonest or evasive communication.
  • It often implies a speaker is avoiding giving a direct answer to a question or statement.
  • Common grammatical patterns: ; .
Examples
  • Verb:
    • When asked about the budget cuts, the minister chose to equivocate rather than give a clear answer.
    • Politicians often equivocate on controversial issues to avoid alienating voters.
    • Don't equivocate; tell me directly if you can complete the project on time.
Advanced Usage
  • "to equivocate between [options]": To speak ambiguously by not choosing clearly between two or more alternatives.
    • The witness seemed to equivocate between two different versions of the event.
  • "to equivocate in one's testimony": To be deliberately unclear or misleading while giving formal evidence.
    • The lawyer accused the defendant of equivocating in his testimony.
Variants and Related Words
  • Equivocation (n): The act of equivocating; the use of ambiguous language.
    • His speech was full of equivocation and double meanings.
  • Equivocator (n): A person who equivocates.
    • He was known as a skilled equivocator who never gave a straight answer.
Synonyms
  • Prevaricate: To speak or act in an evasive way (very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably).
  • Hedge: To avoid giving a direct answer by making non-committal statements.
  • Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important (idiomatic).
Antonyms
  • Declare: To state clearly and publicly.
  • Affirm: To state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To speak with forked tongue: To tell lies or say one thing while meaning another (idiomatic, similar concept).
    • The community felt the official was speaking with a forked tongue when he promised support.
  • To be non-committal: To avoid expressing a definite opinion or making a decision (describes the attitude behind equivocating).
    • Her non-committal reply was a form of equivocation.
equivocate

The politician began to equivocate when asked about the budget.

Verb
  1. be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information

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