Equivocal
/ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Equivocal describes something that is not clear or is confusing because it can be understood in more than one way. It can refer to language, answers, or situations that do not give a definite or clear meaning. Sometimes, it is used when someone wants to avoid giving a direct answer.
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See It in Action
Having two or more possible meanings; unclear or confusing
- •The instructions were equivocal and left everyone unsure what to do.
- •His equivocal statement made it hard to understand his true opinion.
- •The word "bat" is equivocal because it can mean an animal or sports equipment.
Intentionally unclear to avoid giving a direct answer
- •The politician gave an equivocal response when asked about the scandal.
- •She was equivocal about her plans, not wanting to reveal too much.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "equivocal" like "unclear" (A2 word), but with a special meaning that something can be understood in two or more different ways at the same time
- ✓Picture a signpost with arrows pointing in different directions, making you unsure which way to go
- ✓It's the feeling when someone gives an answer that sounds like a yes and no at the same time, leaving you confused
- ✓Sounds like "e-QUIV-o-cal" → imagine a QUIZ with multiple answers, and you don't know which is right
- ✓Think of a politician’s answer that avoids saying yes or no clearly, making you wonder what they really mean
- ✓NOT like "clear" (easy to understand)—equivocal means the opposite, something is confusing or doubtful
- ✓NOT like "ambiguous" (similar but often means more than one meaning without intention)—equivocal can imply intention to avoid clarity
- ✓NOT like "vague" (unclear because of missing details)—equivocal means unclear because of having multiple possible meanings
Try Other Words
- •Ambiguous: having more than one meaning, often without intention (Use when the unclear meaning is accidental or natural)
- •Vague: not clear because of missing details (Use when information is incomplete or not specific)
- •Uncertain: not sure or definite (Use when you want to express doubt or lack of certainty)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "equi-" (equal, same) + "voc" (voice, call) + "-al" (adjective suffix) → literally "equal voice" or "equal call"
- •Etymology: From Latin "aequivocus," meaning "having equal voices" or "ambiguous"
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe words or expressions with double meanings; over time, also used for unclear or doubtful situations
- •Modern usage: Used in English to describe unclear, confusing, or intentionally evasive language or situations
Reflect & Connect
•When might it be helpful or harmful to use equivocal language in conversation?
•How do you feel when someone gives you an equivocal answer instead of a clear one?
Fill in the blanks
1.The instructions were equivocal because they could ___ two very different actions.
2.When asked about the problem, his equivocal answer made it ___ to tell what he really thought.
3.Unlike a simple "yes" or "no," an equivocal response often tries to ___ a direct answer.
4.The word "bank" is equivocal since it can mean a place to keep money or the side of a river, showing how one word can ___ multiple meanings.
5.Politicians sometimes use equivocal language to ___ their true intentions.
6.An equivocal statement is different from a vague one because it has ___ possible clear meanings, not just missing details.
7.When someone speaks equivocally, it can be hard to ___ their real feelings or thoughts.