univocal
/'ju:ni'voukəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Clear and unambiguous; having only one possible meaning or interpretation: The word "univocal" describes something that is not open to multiple interpretations or misunderstandings. It expresses a single, definite meaning.
- Unequivocal; admitting of no doubt: It indicates a statement, evidence, or position that is absolute and leaves no room for uncertainty or alternative conclusions.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- The judge demanded a univocal answer from the witness. (The judge required a clear and unambiguous answer.)
- Her instructions were univocal, so there was no confusion about the task. (Her instructions were unequivocal, preventing any misunderstanding.)
- The scientific data provided univocal support for the theory. (The data offered unambiguous support.)
Advanced Usage
- In academic or philosophical contexts: "Univocal" is often used in logic, semantics, and philosophy to describe terms that have a single, consistent meaning across different instances or arguments. This contrasts with "equivocal" terms, which have multiple meanings.
- In his treatise, the philosopher argued that the term "being" must be used in a univocal sense.
- In legal or formal documents: Used to emphasize the clarity and non-negotiability of a term or condition.
- The contract contained a univocal clause regarding the termination fees.
Variants and Related Words
- Univocally (adverb): In a clear, unambiguous manner.
- The CEO stated univocally that there would be no layoffs.
- Univocity (noun): The quality or state of being univocal.
- The univocity of the command was essential for the mission's success.
Synonyms
- Unequivocal: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.
- Unambiguous: Not open to more than one interpretation.
- Clear-cut: Sharply defined; easy to perceive or understand.
- Definitive: Authoritative and final; serving to provide a final solution.
Antonyms
- Equivocal: Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
- Ambiguous: Having more than one possible meaning; not clear.
- Vague: Of uncertain or indefinite meaning.
Related Phrases and Usage Notes
- "Univocal statement": A declaration that is clear and allows for only one interpretation.
- The press release was a univocal statement of the company's new policy.
- "Univocal evidence": Proof that points conclusively to a single fact or conclusion.
- The fingerprint was univocal evidence of his presence at the scene.
Adjective
- admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion
- unequivocal evidence
- took an unequivocal position
- an unequivocal success
- an unequivocal promise
- an unequivocal (or univocal) statement