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to use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
synonyms:prevaricatehedge
The word 'equivocate' comes from the Latin word 'aequivocatus', the past participle of 'aequivocare', which means 'to call by the same name'. This reflects the idea of using language that can mean multiple things, leading to ambiguity.
This term is often found in discussions related to politics, law, and any situation where one might want to avoid giving a straight answer.
While not used daily by the general public, it appears frequently in political discourse and literature.
During the debate, the politician chose to equivocate rather than directly answer the question about his policies.
She tended to equivocate when asked about her true feelings, leaving her friends confused.
The witness seemed to equivocate, providing vague answers that did not clarify the events of the night.
Equivocate is a fascinating word that embodies the art of ambiguity. Its roots in Latin hint at a long history of language manipulation and double meanings. Often used in political arenas, it serves as a reminder that sometimes the words we choose can obscure as much as they reveal. So next time you hear someone dodging a question, you might just think, 'Ah, they’re equivocating!'