equivocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'equivocation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself in what one says. Example sentence: His equivocation during the interview made it difficult for the interviewer to get a clear understanding of his intentions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He even stressed that his condemnation came "without any equivocation whatsoever" just in case anyone was liable to confuse it with the equivocating sort for which he has become famous.

The Economist

The FCO certainly knew that this "genocide equivocation" was dodgy: one internal memo obtained under the Freedom of Information Act admits that "HMG is open to criticism in terms of the ethical dimension.

The Guardian - Books

Feelings are running high – on the side both of those rightfully frustrated that something as obvious as people being murdered in the cold light of day is met with equivocation; and those who feel justifiably aggrieved at what looks like tolerance of intolerance or, at worst, racism towards minorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has thus moved the "line" from genocide equivocation to genocide avoidance – a move slightly in the right direction.

The Guardian - Books

There were too many signs of mistaken assumptions, analysis and remedies; and too much equivocation about the establishment of effective control.

The Economist

His equivocation over signing the EU treaty last autumn is a case in point; his habit of blowing hot and cold in relations with America (he was coolly correct with President Bush last summer but has warmed up since) is another.

The Economist

On the other side, Democratic equivocation about gay marriage will not motivate the party's left, and the whole issue will antagonise those vital allies, the blacks.Meanwhile, the fuss may be damaging the drive for gay rights itself.

The Economist

It is a valuable market, and there are ties of language and "nostalgia" between the two countries.To some, any hint of equivocation from Slovenia risks triggering the default reflex of EU governments: to dodge tough decisions.

The Economist

And the president's equivocation on the Keystone XL pipeline, which was going to carry oil from the Canadian tar sands to the Gulf of Mexico but has now been stymied, was a textbook example of how to evade hard decisions in an election year.On the main question, however, Mr Obama has the better of the argument.

The Economist

Many on the left hate her because of her equivocation on Iraq.

The Economist

Such equivocation angers allies abroad: Fidesz has links with German Christian Democrats and wants ties with British Conservatives.Direct support for the far right remains small, at only 2-3%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equivocation", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's unintentional ambiguity or a deliberate tactic. Clarity helps prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid assuming "equivocation" always implies malicious intent. Sometimes, it reflects uncertainty or a nuanced perspective rather than deliberate deception.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "equivocation" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act or instance of using ambiguous language. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, and the platform indicates the word is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equivocation" is a noun that describes the use of ambiguous language, often to mislead or avoid commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used. The term appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, making it versatile for diverse writing purposes. While it can denote deliberate deception, context is key to understanding the speaker's intent. For clarity in writing, it's vital to indicate whether the "equivocation" is intentional or unintentional to prevent misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevarication

Indicates speaking falsely or misleadingly; a synonym of equivocation.

deliberate ambiguity

Highlights the intentional use of unclear language.

evasiveness

Highlights the quality of avoiding direct confrontation or clear answers.

evasive language

Focuses on the avoidance of direct or honest answers.

hedging

Emphasizes limiting or qualifying a statement to avoid commitment.

ambiguous statement

Emphasizes the unclear nature of the communication.

intentional vagueness

Highlights the deliberate lack of precision.

double-talk

Suggests speech that is deliberately misleading or nonsensical.

studied ambiguity

Suggests that the ambiguity is carefully planned and executed.

circumlocution

Focuses on speaking in a roundabout way, often to avoid a direct answer.

FAQs

How can I use "equivocation" in a sentence?

You can use "equivocation" to describe someone's deliberate use of ambiguous language, as in, "His "equivocation" during the negotiation frustrated the other parties."

What's the difference between "equivocation" and "evasion"?

"Equivocation" involves using ambiguous language, while "evasion" means avoiding answering directly. "Equivocation" uses tricky wording; "evasion" might mean silence or changing the subject.

What are some synonyms for "equivocation"?

Synonyms for "equivocation" include "prevarication", "tergiversation", and "ambiguity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "equivocation" always a negative trait?

While often negative, "equivocation" isn't always malicious. It can be used to avoid offense or to navigate sensitive situations where a direct answer would be harmful. However, it's crucial to consider the intent and potential impact.