Prevaricate
Verb
Definition: To speak or act in an evasive or ambiguous manner; to avoid telling the truth; to equivocate.
Synonyms: Equivocate, Dodge, Evade, Lie, Avoid
Antonyms: Clarify, State, Disclose, Reveal, Confess
- The politician prevaricated when asked about his involvement in the scandal.
- She prevaricated in her answers, trying to dodge the direct question.
- "Prevaricate" contains the word "varicate" which sounds similar to "vacillate," meaning to be indecisive or wavering. Both words involve a lack of commitment or directness.
Etymology:
The word "prevaricate" originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word "praevaricari," which means "to walk crookedly" or "to act deceitfully." It was derived from the combination of "prae-" (before) and "varus" (bowlegged).
Historical Usage:The term has been used to describe the act of evading or avoiding the truth since its inception.
Related Idioms:
"To prevaricate around the bush"
Explanation:This phrase combines the action of prevaricating or evading with the idiom "beat around the bush," meaning to avoid getting to the point or discussing something directly.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "prevaricate" with "procrastinate."
Explanation:"Prevaricate" refers to evading the truth or being ambiguous in speech, while "procrastinate" means to delay or postpone tasks. They are different words with distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.