Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Equivocate

E-quiv′o-cate

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Equivocated
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Equivocating
.]
[L.
aequivocatus
, p. p. of
aequivocari
to be called by the same name, fr. L.
aequivocus
: cf. F.
équivoquer
. See
Equivocal
,
Adj.
]
To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one’s opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead;
as, to
equivocate
is the work of duplicity
.
Syn. – To prevaricate; evade; shuffle; quibble. See
Prevaricate
.

E-quiv′o-cate

,
Verb.
T.
To render equivocal or ambiguous.
He
equivocated
his vow by a mental reservation.
Sir G. Buck.

Webster 1828 Edition


Equivocate

EQUIV'OCATE

,
Verb.
I.
To use words of a doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses; to use ambiguous expressions. To equivocate is the dishonorable work of duplicity. The upright man will not equivocate in his intercourse with his fellow men.

Definition 2024


equivocate

equivocate

See also: equivócate

English

Alternative forms

Verb

equivocate (third-person singular simple present equivocates, present participle equivocating, simple past and past participle equivocated)

  1. (intransitive) To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.
    All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate. -Edward Stillingfleet.
  2. To render equivocal or ambiguous.
    He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. -George Buck.

Synonyms

Translations

See also


Italian

Verb

equivocate

  1. second-person plural present indicative of equivocare
  2. second-person plural imperative of equivocare
  3. feminine plural of equivocato