What does tergiversating mean?
Tergiversating means to evade a commitment, duty, or previously declared position by changing one’s story, offering shifting excuses, or refusing to choose a clear course. The word carries a strongly critical tone: it describes conduct judged evasive, faithless, or opportunist rather than the ordinary reconsideration of an idea. A person can tergiversate over an appointment; a government can tergiversate in its policy; an organization can be accused of tergiversating after reversing a promise. Although “equivocating” and “prevaricating” are close alternatives, tergiversating often suggests the abandonment or deliberate evasion of an obligation, not merely a debatable statement. The term is formal and literary, favoring newspaper, political, and academic prose over everyday conversation. Its unusual sound has helped it remain memorable, while its meaning still corresponds closely to a recognizable modern problem: making commitments and then avoiding the consequences. Understanding it provides a precise way to distinguish principled flexibility from conduct perceived as evasive or disloyal.
verbTo evade a commitment, responsibility, or declared position through equivocation, shifting excuses, or refusal to take a firm stand.
- To evade a commitment or responsibility through equivocation, shifting excuses, or refusal to take a firm stand.
- To abandon or become faithless to a cause, declared position, or allegiance.
"By revising her position each time the question arose, she was plainly tergiversating rather than defending a settled conviction."
"The minister was accused of tergiversating after repeatedly delaying a decision on the proposed reform."
"Rather than defend its earlier decision, the committee began tergiversating over what it had already promised."
Tergiversating comes from Latin for “turning one’s back”—a perfect image for a promise quietly abandoned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tergiversating come from?
Tergiversating comes from Latin tergiversari, literally “to turn one’s back,” formed from tergum, meaning “back,” and vertere, meaning “to turn.” The word entered English in the early 17th century with senses including turning away, withdrawing, and evading an obligation. Its connection with vertere also places it within the same broad etymological family as words such as reverse, convert, versatile, and version.
Related word forms
How tergiversating is actually used
This is a formal and literary word with a strongly negative connotation. It is especially common in political, legal, journalistic, and academic prose. It describes conduct perceived as evasive or faithless and is more critical than simply saying that someone is undecided.
Easily confused with tergiversating
Prevaricating specifically involves making misleading or evasive statements, whereas tergiversating more broadly describes evasion of a commitment or position.
Vacillating means wavering between choices or opinions, while tergiversating implies evasion of a commitment or failure to act consistently.