THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
equivocation
noun
The use of ambiguous or evasive language to avoid a clear statement.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
Equivocation avoids a clear commitment through ambiguous wording. It is not simply another word for fabrication.
SEE IT IN USE
Examples in context
The committee asked for a direct answer without equivocation.
During questions, a guest asked whether the organizers would sell attendees' contact details. The host began to obfuscate the issue with vague remarks about 'community opportunities.' Lina noticed the equivocation and repeated the question in plain language.
Notice how the same meaning carries into different situations. Try explaining what the word contributes to each example.
Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
Compare the full synonym referenceMAKE IT YOURS
Write your own sentence
Use "equivocation" in a situation you might actually discuss. Compare your meaning with the definition above.
Personal practice. Sentences are saved locally and are not automatically graded.
READ THIS WORD IN CONTEXT
Included in the learning path
Reading Beneath the SurfaceReading 2 / Open lessonAPPLY IT AND RETURN
Build a retention record for this word.
Use its lesson question and fresh-context checkpoint on separate days. Your browser can track the evidence for a retention milestone.
How the milestone worksRELATED FORMS, ONE FEATURED ENTRY
The equivocate family
equivocation is grouped under equivocate in the main dictionaries. This form keeps its meaning and previous study record.
equivocateverb
To use ambiguous or evasive language to avoid a clear commitment.
When asked for a firm date, the contractor began to equivocate.
Asked whether he would supply a costume by Thursday, a fictional theater volunteer began to equivocate, saying that Thursday could mean different things to different people.
About this entry
This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Adapted from supplied vocabulary notes. Example written for WordCraft.
Source study sections: C, D, 2, 3, 19.
Equivocation avoids a clear commitment through ambiguous wording. It is not simply another word for fabrication.
Dictionary scope and sources