eˌquivoˈcation
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing to a clear statement.
A statement, phrase, or term that is deliberately ambiguous and open to multiple interpretations, often for the purpose of deception or evasion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly specific and often has a negative connotation of deliberate deception or evasion. It is used primarily in formal, philosophical, political, and legal contexts. While it can describe any ambiguous language, its typical use implies intent to mislead.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Slightly more common in UK academic writing, particularly in philosophy and law.
Connotations
Equally negative in both dialects. Often associated with political spin and legalistic evasion.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use; higher in specialist academic, legal, and political commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + equivocation: commit, use, practice, engage in, avoidequivocation + [preposition]: about (a topic), on (an issue), over (a matter)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tortured by his own equivocation”
- “A web of equivocation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might describe misleading corporate statements: 'The CEO's equivocation on the merger targets eroded investor trust.'
Academic
Common in philosophy (e.g., fallacies of equivocation), law, and political science: 'The fallacy of equivocation occurs when a term changes meaning within an argument.'
Everyday
Very rare; would sound formal and deliberate: 'Stop your equivocation and give me a straight answer!'
Technical
Used in logic and rhetoric to denote a specific fallacy where a key term shifts meaning.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of equivocating on the issue of tax increases.
American English
- The senator continued to equivocate when pressed for a clear commitment.
adverb
British English
- He answered equivocally, neither confirming nor denying the allegations.
American English
- She spoke equivocally about her future plans.
adjective
British English
- His equivocal statement left the committee in complete confusion.
American English
- The company's earnings report was deliberately equivocal.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His answer was full of equivocation, so we didn't know what he really meant.
- The diplomat's masterful equivocation allowed him to avoid endorsing either side's position.
- The philosopher exposed the logical fallacy of equivocation in the debater's argument.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Equivocation sounds like 'equal voice' – but it's when someone uses language equally open to multiple, often misleading, voices or meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A MIST / LANGUAGE IS A SMOKESCREEN (used to obscure truth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'двусмысленность' (ambiguousness), which is more neutral. Equivocation implies deliberate intent.
- Do not translate as 'уравнение' (equation).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'equivication' or 'equivocation'.
- Using it to describe any ambiguity, not just the deliberate, deceptive kind.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates 'equivocation'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Lying involves stating something false. Equivocation involves using ambiguous language to avoid telling the full truth or to create a misleading impression without technically lying. It's a form of deception.
It is a logical fallacy where an argument relies on a key term or phrase being used in two different senses, making the argument appear valid when it is not.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning involves deliberate ambiguity to mislead or evade. In very specific diplomatic contexts, it might be seen as tactful, but the connotation is overwhelmingly negative.
They are close synonyms. 'Equivocation' emphasizes the use of ambiguous language itself. 'Prevarication' emphasizes the act of evading the truth or deviating from straightforwardness, which is often done through equivocation.