What does equivocation mean?
Equivocation refers to the practice of using vague or ambiguous language — often deliberately — so as to mislead, avoid giving a direct answer, or conceal one's true position. Someone guilty of equivocation says things that are technically defensible but designed not to commit to anything. In formal logic, it also names a specific fallacy in which a key term shifts meaning partway through an argument, making an invalid argument appear sound. The word is most at home in political journalism, legal discussion, and philosophy, where precision of language matters. It carries a distinctly negative connotation when applied to human speech, suggesting evasion or dishonesty rather than mere imprecision. Related forms include the verb 'equivocate', the adjective 'equivocal' (open to multiple interpretations), and the noun 'equivocator'. Its dramatic pedigree runs deep: Shakespeare has the witches' prophecies in Macbeth described as 'the equivocation of the fiend that lies like truth'.
The use of ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
"Her testimony was a masterpiece of equivocation, answering every question without revealing anything."
Usually uncountable when referring to the practice in general; the plural 'equivocations' denotes individual instances.
(Logic) A fallacy arising when a word or phrase with two distinct meanings is used inconsistently within a single argument.
"The syllogism fails because it commits the fallacy of equivocation on the term 'light'."
The plural is used for individual acts or instances of ambiguous speech, typically with negative connotation; the uncountable singular refers to the practice as a whole.
"After hours of equivocations, the witness finally gave a direct answer."
Shakespeare's Macbeth warns against 'the equivocation of the fiend that lies like truth' — words that deceive precisely by being technically true.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of equivocation
Equivocation derives from the Late Latin 'aequivocatio', built from Latin 'aequus' (equal) and 'vocare' (to call), literally meaning 'calling by the same name'. It entered English in the late 16th century via medieval scholastic usage, where it distinguished terms applied ambiguously from those applied analogically. It shares its Latin roots with 'equivocal', 'equivocate', and 'equivoque'; the 'vocare' element also appears in unrelated-seeming words such as 'vocation' and 'vocal'.
Related word forms
How equivocation is actually used
Formal to neutral in register; common in political commentary, law, and logic. It carries a strongly negative connotation when describing speech (implying deceit), but is a neutral technical term in logic. The countable plural 'equivocations' is used for individual instances of ambiguous statements.
Easily confused with equivocation
Equivocal is an adjective describing something open to more than one interpretation, while equivocation is the noun naming the act or practice of speaking ambiguously to mislead.
A euphemism replaces a harsh word with a milder one out of politeness, whereas equivocation uses ambiguity deliberately to avoid committing to any clear meaning.