equivocal
What does "equivocal" mean?
The word "equivocal" describes something that is open to more than one interpretation, often intentionally so to avoid committing to a single stance. Imagine a person standing at a crossroads, pointing vaguely in two directions at once; they aren't helping you find your way, but they aren't technically lying either. You will typically encounter this word in professional or academic settings, such as legal documents, political debates, or scientific reports where data is inconclusive. It is often used to describe answers that are evasive, ambiguous, or deliberately unclear to keep options open or hide the truth.
"equivocal" in conversation
Work meeting
Did the CEO confirm if we are merging with the startup?
Did the CEO confirm if we are merging with the startup?
He gave an equivocal answer, so I'm still not sure what the plan is.
He gave an equivocal answer, so I'm still not sure what the plan is.
Used to describe a vague response that avoids a clear 'yes' or 'no'.
Academic feedback
Your conclusion is a bit equivocal regarding the cause of the reaction.
Your conclusion is a bit equivocal regarding the cause of the reaction.
I was trying to reflect the uncertainty in the data.
I was trying to reflect the uncertainty in the data.
Used to point out that the student's argument lacks a definitive stance.
"equivocal" in a sentence
The politician provided an equivocal response to the question about taxes.
The politician provided an equivocal response to the question about taxes.
Her equivocal behavior made it difficult to determine whether she truly supported the new policy.
Her equivocal behavior made it difficult to determine whether she truly supported the new policy.
The clinical trial results remained equivocal, necessitating further investigation before the drug could be approved.
The clinical trial results remained equivocal, necessitating further investigation before the drug could be approved.
