What does paltering mean?
Paltering means speaking in a deliberately indirect, ambiguous, or evasive way. A person who palters may give long, plausible-sounding answers while avoiding a clear position, an unpleasant truth, or a firm commitment. The word is especially common in British English and is typically critical in tone: it implies that the speaker is being evasive rather than simply being uncertain or brief. Paltering often occurs in political, legal, and business discourse, where people may be pressed to disclose information or commit to a decision. The phrase “palter with the truth” captures the word’s strongest association with language that obscures reality. Although relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, paltering is useful because it identifies a precise kind of verbal behaviour—talking around a subject rather than directly addressing it—and gives a concise label for evasive speech.
To speak ambiguously or evasively, especially to avoid making a firm statement or commitment.
"He paltered when asked to explain how the error had occurred."
Chiefly British and formal; normally implies evasion or deliberate lack of candour.
Evasive or ambiguous in speech; tending to avoid a firm statement or commitment.
"The committee offered a paltering response that satisfied no one."
Paltering turns language into an escape hatch: talk enough to appear responsive, but never enough to commit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paltering come from?
The word comes through Middle English in the form palter, but its ultimate origin is uncertain. It developed the sense of speaking ambiguously or evasively, with the present participle paltering later acquiring adjectival uses. No securely established cognates in other languages are commonly cited.
Related word forms
How paltering is actually used
The word is chiefly British and relatively formal. It carries a critical connotation, suggesting that a speaker is avoiding clarity or commitment rather than merely lacking confidence.
Easily confused with paltering
To palter is to speak evasively, whereas to falter is to weaken, hesitate, or lose momentum.