easy
Asked whether the trip was confirmed, the organiser gave an equivocal reply: "We will see."
What does Equivocal mean?
Equivocal means unclear in meaning, uncertain, or open to doubt.
Dictionary definition
Open to different interpretations or failing to give a clear answer, sometimes deliberately. Evidence or results described as equivocal do not point clearly to one conclusion. The word can also describe an uncertain position or conduct whose honesty or acceptability is doubtful.
Example sentences
Equivocal in a sentence
medium
The trial produced equivocal results, so the class could not decide which design worked better.
medium
The committee remained equivocal about the proposal, offering neither clear support nor firm opposition.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Equivocal
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Two trials favour different designs. Why might their combined results be called equivocal?
Equivocal evidence leaves a question unsettled; deliberate deception is not required in this use.
Practice 2
Which reply gives unequivocal permission, rather than an equivocal response?
Unequivocal permission communicates a clear yes. The other replies leave permission uncertain.
Practice 3
The message could mean either yes or no; its wording was ___.
Equivocal can describe wording with competing interpretations. It does not mean that several people agree.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Equivocal
Voice settings
Sounds like
ih · kwiv · uh · kul · strongest beat: kwiv
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordEquivocal.
Partadjective.
MeaningEquivocal means unclear in meaning, uncertain, or open to doubt.
ExampleExample: Asked whether the trip was confirmed, the organiser gave an equivocal reply: "We will see."
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ih · kwiv · uh · kul
- Strongest beat
- kwiv
- Ending
- kul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on kwiv.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Equivocal
ambiguousUse for words or statements that allow more than one interpretation.
inconclusiveUse for evidence or results that do not settle a question.
Antonyms
Opposite words
unequivocalUse for a statement, position, or indication that leaves no doubt about its meaning.
Synonym practice
Want to practice equivocal synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The senator issued an equivocal statement that answered little," then compare close word choices. Practice equivocal synonyms.
Word family
Equivocal word family
Base word
equivocal
adverb
equivocally
In an unclear or uncertain way: the organiser answered equivocally.
noun
equivocality
The quality of allowing doubt or different interpretations.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Equivocal
Hint for students
Ask what is uncertain: the wording, a person's position, or what the evidence shows. Stress KWIV in ih-KWIV-uh-kul. This adjective is common in formal discussion.
Common mix-up
Do not assume equivocal always means dishonest. A speaker may deliberately avoid clarity, but results can be equivocal without anyone misleading others. Ambivalent usually highlights conflicting feelings; equivocal often highlights an unclear response or position.
Try it in class or at home
Write a clear reply and an equivocal reply to a request to use a classroom. Partners underline the words that settle the request or leave it uncertain, then rewrite the unclear reply.
Teacher prompt
Compare an equivocal reply with equivocal experimental results. In which case might someone be avoiding a commitment, and in which case might the evidence simply be unclear?
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