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equivocal - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'equivocal' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Equivocal [ a.]
- (Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence:) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence.
- Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal.
- Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful.
2 . Equivocal [ n.]
- A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.

Meaning of 'equivocal' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . equivocal [ a]
Meaning (1):
- open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
Example in sentence:
  • an equivocal response to an embarrassing question;
  • an equivocal statement;
  • popularity is an equivocal crown;
  • the officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness;
  • the polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
2 . equivocal [ s]
Meaning (2):
- open to question
Example in sentence:
  • aliens of equivocal loyalty;
  • his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son
Meaning (3):
- uncertain as a sign or indication
Example in sentence:
  • the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal

Nearby Words:

equability equable equableness equably equal equaled equaling equalitarian equalities equality

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