noncommittal

Thân thiện

Her boss gave a noncommittal answer during the meeting.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Not expressing a clear opinion or decision; avoiding commitment: Refusing to bind oneself to a particular course of action, view, or promise. Characterized by a deliberate lack of clarity or definiteness in one's statements or actions.

Usage

The adjective "noncommittal" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or their statements when they deliberately avoid making a clear decision, taking a definite side, or revealing their true thoughts or intentions. It implies a strategic or cautious neutrality.

Examples

• Describing a person's response:
  • When asked about the budget cuts, the manager gave a noncommittal answer.
  • She was noncommittal about attending the party, saying only, "I'll try to make it."
• Describing a person's attitude or behavior:
  • His noncommittal attitude during the negotiations frustrated both sides.
  • The politician remained noncommittal on the controversial issue.

Advanced Usage

• "To be noncommittal about something": This is the most common construction, specifying the topic on which one is avoiding commitment.
  • The CEO was noncommittal about the proposed merger.

Variants and Related Words

• Noncommittally (adverb): In a noncommittal manner.
  • He nodded noncommittally when presented with the idea.

Synonyms

• Evasive: Tending to avoid giving direct answers.
• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
• Indefinite: Not clearly expressed or defined; vague.
• Hedging: Using noncommittal or ambiguous language to avoid commitment.

Antonyms

• Committed: Pledged or bound to a certain course or policy.
• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.
• Decisive: Settling an issue; producing a definite result.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. refusing to bind oneself to a particular course of action or view or the like
   • her boyfriend was noncommittal about their future together