equivocator
/i'kwivəkeitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who deliberately avoids giving a clear, direct, or honest answer; someone who uses ambiguous or unclear language to mislead or avoid commitment.
Usage
- The word "equivocator" is a formal noun used to describe a person whose characteristic behavior is to be evasive or ambiguous in speech. It is often used in contexts discussing debate, politics, law, or any situation where clarity and honesty are expected but avoided.
Examples
- The politician was labeled an equivocator by the press for never giving a straight yes or no to any question.
- During the trial, the witness was such a skilled equivocator that the jury couldn't determine what he truly knew.
- Don't be an equivocator; we need a clear decision from you.
Advanced Usage
- "Master equivocator": Used to emphasize a high degree of skill in being evasive.
- The CEO was a master equivocator, expertly dodging questions about the company's financial troubles.
Variants and Related Words
- Equivocate (verb): To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.
- He tended to equivocate when asked about his future plans.
- Equivocation (noun): The use of ambiguous language to avoid telling the truth; an ambiguous or unclear statement.
- Her answer was full of equivocation.
Synonyms
- Prevaricator: A person who speaks or acts in an evasive way.
- Hedger: A person who avoids making definite statements or commitments.
- Evasive person: Someone who avoids giving direct answers.
Antonyms
- Straight shooter: A person who is direct and honest.
- Candid person: Someone who is frank and open in speech.
Idioms and Phrases
- To speak out of both sides of one's mouth: This idiom describes behavior similar to an equivocator, meaning to make contradictory statements.
- The public grew tired of the leader who seemed to speak out of both sides of his mouth on every issue.
Noun
- a respondent who avoids giving a clear direct answer