Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Equivocal
E-quiv′o-cal
,Adj.
1.
(Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence:) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain;
as,
equivocal
words; an equivocal
sentence.For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or
equivocal
a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes. Jeffrey.
2.
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected;
“Equivocal repentances.” as, his actions are
. equivocal
Milton.
3.
Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful.
“How equivocal a test.” Burke.
Syn. – Ambiguous; doubtful; uncertain; indeterminate.
–
Equivocal
, Ambiguous
. We call an expression ambiguous when it has one general meaning, and yet contains certain words which may be taken in two different senses; or certain clauses which can be so connected with other clauses as to divide the mind between different views of part of the meaning intended. We call an expression equivocal when, taken as a whole, it conveys a given thought with perfect clearness and propriety, and also another thought with equal propriety and clearness. Such were the responses often given by the Delphic oracle; as that to Crœsus when consulting about a war with Persia: “If you cross the Halys, you will destroy a great empire.” This he applied to the Persian empire, which lay beyond that river, and, having crossed, destroyed his own empire in the conflict. What is ambiguous is a mere blunder of language; what is equivocal is usually intended to deceive, though it may occur at times from mere inadvertence. Equivocation is applied only to cases where there is a design to deceive. E-quiv′o-cal
,Noun.
A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.
In languages of great ductility,
equivocals
like that just referred to are rarely found. Fitzed. Hall.
Webster 1828 Edition
Equivocal
EQUIV'OCAL
,Adj.
1.
Being of doubtful signification; that may be understood in different senses; capable of a double interpretation; ambiguous; as equivocal words, terms or senses. Men may be misled in their opinions by the use of equivocal terms.2.
Doubtful; ambiguous; susceptible of different constructions; not decided. The character of the man is somewhat equivocal. His conduct is equivocal.3.
Uncertain; proceeding from some unknown cause, or not from the usual cause. Equivocal generation is the production of animals without the intercourse of the sexes, and of plants without seed. This doctrine is now exploded.EQUIV'OCAL
,Noun.
Definition 2024
equivocal
equivocal
English
Alternative forms
- æquivocal (rare)
Noun
equivocal (plural equivocals)
Synonyms
Adjective
equivocal (comparative more equivocal, superlative most equivocal)
- Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
- equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
- Jeffrey
- For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
- Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
- His actions are equivocal.
- Milton
- equivocal repentances
- Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
- Burke
- How equivocal a test.
- Burke
Synonyms
Antonyms
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
having several applicable significations
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capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters
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uncertain, doubtful
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