equivocal

USAGE SUMMARY

'equivocal' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is open to more than one interpretation, vague or ambiguous. Example sentence: His answer to the question was equivocal, confusing everyone in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A leading academic study concludes there is "equivocal evidence regarding its magnitude".

The Guardian - Film

But on the frontline the mood is more equivocal.

The Guardian

But there is an equivocal feeling about the success enjoyed by the badge makers, who were recently criticised by feminists for producing an anti-Thatcher badge, "Ditch the Bitch," which they said was sexist.

The Guardian

Despite these equivocal findings, the select committee ultimately endorsed Walker's miasmatic claims.

The Guardian

Gatland, though, was equivocal in his praise for the only Wales player who started the win over England eight months ago not to make his Lions squad.

The Guardian - Sport

These equivocal formulations drip in irony when you read the emphatic demands that follow and the hundreds of detailed words about decaying buildings, the power of homeopathy to tackle irritable bowel syndrome or the power of organic vegetables to help hospital patients get better.

The Guardian

Others are less equivocal.

The Guardian

This impasse reflects China's equivocal relationship with its troublesome neighbour and North Korea's unequivocal commitment to nuclear weapons.By tradition, China has viewed North Korea as an ideological soulmate that can "stand sentry" against American forces stationed in South Korea, points out Ren Xiao of Fudan University.

The Economist

But it is a measure of how deep a hole Jacques Chirac is in that his efforts to blame Britain's Tony Blair for the failure of the European summit have had only equivocal results.Britain, snapped Mr Chirac, had been "selfish".

The Economist

Measuring the proportions of the different observed decay modes, and comparing them with these predictions, should show whether the newly discovered particle is the garden variety of Higgs dreamed up back in 1964, or something more exotic.Here, the data are more equivocal.

The Economist

With groups that have "an equivocal attitude to core values such as democracy, freedom of speech or respect towards women" there might be "some scope for limited engagement", the minister carefully added.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equivocal" when you want to express that something is open to multiple interpretations, or intentionally ambiguous, often to avoid commitment or deception.

Common error

Avoid using "equivocal" simply to mean 'unclear' or 'vague' without the implication of deliberate ambiguity or the possibility of multiple, conflicting interpretations. "Equivocal" often carries a connotation of intentional hedging or a desire to avoid a firm position.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "equivocal" primarily functions to qualify nouns, describing them as ambiguous, uncertain, or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig's examples show this word in action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equivocal" is a versatile adjective used to describe something ambiguous, uncertain, or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and prevalence in various authoritative sources, especially news and media. When employing "equivocal", ensure you're conveying the intended sense of deliberate ambiguity rather than simple lack of clarity. Consider alternatives like "ambiguous" or "uncertain" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous

Indicates uncertainty or inexactness in meaning, similar to "equivocal" but without necessarily implying an intent to deceive.

uncertain

Expresses a lack of sureness or confidence; shares the sense of doubt with "equivocal" but is more general.

vague

Suggests a lack of clarity or precision, akin to "equivocal" but often implying a lack of detail rather than deliberate ambiguity.

ambivalent

Describes mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something, sharing "equivocal"'s sense of being undecided.

indefinite

Implies a lack of clear limits or boundaries; similar to "equivocal" in its lack of precise meaning.

doubtful

Suggests skepticism or uncertainty, aligning with "equivocal" in expressing a lack of conviction.

evasive

Indicates an attempt to avoid giving a direct answer, similar to "equivocal" when it implies a deliberate lack of clarity.

unclear

Simply means not clear or easily understood, which is a core aspect of what "equivocal" conveys.

undecided

Expresses a lack of a firm decision, reflecting the uncertainty inherent in the term "equivocal".

tenuous

Suggests a weak or flimsy basis, reflecting the uncertainty and lack of solid foundation that "equivocal" can imply.

FAQs

How can I use "equivocal" in a sentence?

You can use "equivocal" to describe statements, actions, or situations that are open to multiple interpretations or intentionally ambiguous. For example, "His "equivocal" response left us wondering about his true intentions."

What are some alternatives to the word "equivocal"?

Some alternatives to "equivocal" include "ambiguous", "uncertain", "vague", and "evasive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "equivocal" to describe a person's character?

Yes, you can use "equivocal" to describe a person's character or behavior if they tend to be indecisive, ambiguous, or intentionally vague in their actions or statements. For instance, "He had an "equivocal" attitude towards commitment."

What's the difference between "equivocal" and "ambiguous"?

"Equivocal" often implies a deliberate attempt to be unclear or open to multiple interpretations, while "ambiguous" can simply mean that something is unintentionally unclear. "Equivocal" suggests a calculated lack of clarity, whereas "ambiguous" does not necessarily.