Words / C1

i-KWIV-uh-kayt/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/

To equivocate is to use ambiguous language in order to conceal the truth or avoid commitment: equivocate on the n, refuse to equivocate. Hedge is everyday; a raw count belongs in the cell.

Meaning

To use ambiguous language in order to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

Examples

• “Do not equivocate on the n; put the raw count in the cell.”
• “Hedge is everyday. Prevaricate is the close twin. Ambiguity is talk. A cell is a count. Put the number in; then qualify it in the codebook if the rule still requires a note.”

Good to know

Speak ambiguously to hide the truth. Everyday: hedge. Ambiguity ≠ a filled n.

Near in meaning

hedge, prevaricate, waffle

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