Prevarication
Noun
Definition: The act of intentionally avoiding the truth or being evasive, especially in speech or actions.
Synonyms: Evasion, Equivocation, Deceit, Dishonesty
Antonyms: Honesty, Transparency
- The politician's prevarication about his involvement in the scandal raised suspicions.
- She was known for her prevarication and never giving direct answers to tough questions.
- "Prevarication" sounds like "preventing verification," which can evoke the idea of someone intentionally avoiding the truth.
Etymology:
The word "prevarication" comes from the Latin word "praevaricatio," which means "straddling or walking crookedly." It entered Middle English in the 15th century.
Historical Usage:The term has been used historically to refer to the act of willfully misleading or deceiving others.
Related Idioms:
"To beat around the bush"
Explanation:This phrase is often used to describe someone who engages in prevarication by avoiding a direct answer or being evasive.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "prevarication" with "procrastination."
Explanation:While the two words may sound similar, "prevarication" pertains to intentionally being evasive or avoiding the truth, whereas "procrastination" refers to delaying or postponing tasks. It's important to distinguish between the meanings of these two words.