Equivocate
/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/verb
To speak or act in a way that is not clear, in order to avoid saying anything definite or committing oneself.
Politicians often equivocate when asked a question directly.
Often appears as...
- equivocate on a matter
- equivocate the issue
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Avoiding Commitment
Equivocate is often used to escape making a firm decision or giving a straight answer.
When asked about the release date, the director continued to equivocate.
Pro Tip 2/3Perceived Negatively
Using 'equivocate' can imply dishonesty or lack of transparency, often viewed unfavorably.
The candidate's tendency to equivocate on important issues cost him votes.
Pro Tip 3/3Indirect Answers
People equivocate to give answers that seem relevant but don't directly address the question.
To avoid spoilers, the actor equivocated about the film's ending.
Compare with
avoiddodgeevadefencehem and hawprevaricatetergiversatewaffle
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