prevaricate
/pri'værikeit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To speak or act in an evasive way; to avoid giving a direct or honest answer to a question.
- To deliberately use ambiguous or unclear language, often with the intent to deceive, mislead, or withhold the full truth.
Usage
The verb "prevaricate" describes the act of avoiding a straightforward response. It implies a degree of dishonesty or evasion, often in situations where a clear answer is expected or required. It is a formal term, typically used in contexts involving politics, law, diplomacy, or any discussion where someone is being evasive.
Examples
- When asked about the missing funds, the manager began to prevaricate, offering vague explanations instead of facts.
- The witness was warned not to prevaricate while under oath.
- Politicians often prevaricate when confronted with difficult questions about their policies.
Advanced Usage
- "To prevaricate on/over/about something": This structure specifies the topic being evaded.
- The CEO prevaricated on the details of the merger, leaving investors uncertain.
- The act of prevaricating is prevarication (noun). A person who prevaricates is a prevaricator (noun).
Variants and Related Words
- Equivocate (verb): To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing to a position. (Similar to prevaricate, but can imply hedging between two choices.)
- Hedge (verb): To avoid giving a definite answer or commitment.
- Temporize (verb): To delay making a decision or giving an answer in order to gain time.
Synonyms
- Equivocate
- Hedge
- Evade
- Beat around the bush
- Be non-committal
Antonyms
- Declare
- Assert
- Affirm
- State directly
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important; to speak indirectly. (This is a more common, informal equivalent.)
- Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened.
Verb
- be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information