Equivocation
Noun
Definition: the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself; prevarication.
Synonyms: Ambiguity, Evasion, Double-talk
Antonyms: Clarity, Honesty, Forthrightness
- The politician's equivocation in answering the question raised suspicions among the audience.
- The suspect's equivocation during the interrogation made it difficult for the detective to determine if they were telling the truth.
- Equivocation is like dancing around the truth. Think of a person doing a complicated dance to evade answering a question.
Etymology:
The word "equivocation" comes from the Latin word "aequivocus," which means "of equal voice or sound" or "ambiguous." It entered the English language in the early 17th century.
Historical Usage:Equivocation has been used throughout history as a rhetorical and argumentative technique to deceive or mislead others by using ambiguous or misleading language.
Related Idioms:
"Equivocate with one's words"
Explanation:To intentionally speak ambiguously or evasively, causing confusion or suspicion.
Misconceptions:
Equivocation is the same as lying.
Explanation:While equivocation can be a form of deception, it does not necessarily involve direct lying. Instead, it involves the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment. Lying, on the other hand, involves deliberately stating something false. Equivocation can be dishonest, but it can also be used for strategic purposes or to protect one's privacy.