Tergiversate
verb
To change one's opinion or position frequently, especially in a political context.
The politician was accused of tergiversating when he changed his stance on the issue several times during the campaign
Often appears as...
- tergiversate on the issue
- tergiversate on the stance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb
To avoid taking a clear and direct stand or course.
Their attempt to tergiversate and avoid answering the question directly was noticed by everyone in the room
Often appears as...
- tergiversate the question
- tergiversate the answer
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To use deception or evasion.
He was condemned for tergiversating his way out of a difficult situation
Often appears as...
- tergiversate out of a situation
- tergiversate through the process
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To change one's opinion or position frequently, especially in a political context.
The politician was accused of tergiversating when he changed his stance on the issue several times during the campaign
Often appears as...
- tergiversate on the issue
- tergiversate on the stance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb
To avoid taking a clear and direct stand or course.
Their attempt to tergiversate and avoid answering the question directly was noticed by everyone in the room
Often appears as...
- tergiversate the question
- tergiversate the answer
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To use deception or evasion.
He was condemned for tergiversating his way out of a difficult situation
Often appears as...
- tergiversate out of a situation
- tergiversate through the process
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Political Context
Often used when discussing politicians who frequently change their views.
She was criticized for tergiversating during the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Frequent Changes
Indicates switching positions or opinions more than once.
The leader's tendency to tergiversate unsettled his supporters.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Implication
Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting instability or unreliability.
Voters dislike candidates who tergiversate on important policies.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Context
Often used when discussing politicians who frequently change their views.
She was criticized for tergiversating during the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Frequent Changes
Indicates switching positions or opinions more than once.
The leader's tendency to tergiversate unsettled his supporters.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Implication
Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting instability or unreliability.
Voters dislike candidates who tergiversate on important policies.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Context
Often used when discussing politicians who frequently change their views.
She was criticized for tergiversating during the debate.
Pro Tip 2/3Frequent Changes
Indicates switching positions or opinions more than once.
The leader's tendency to tergiversate unsettled his supporters.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Implication
Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting instability or unreliability.
Voters dislike candidates who tergiversate on important policies.
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