First Known Use: 1599
Dictionary
equivocal
adjective equiv·o·cal \i-ˈkwi-və-kəl\
: having two or more possible meanings
: not easily understood or explained
Full Definition of EQUIVOCAL
1
a : subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse <an equivocal statement> b : uncertain as an indication or sign <equivocal evidence>
2
a : of uncertain nature or classification <equivocal shapes> b : of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : undecided <an equivocal attitude> c : of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude <equivocal behavior>
— equiv·o·cal·i·ty \-ˌkwi-və-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun
— equiv·o·cal·ly \-ˈkwi-və-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
— equiv·o·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
See equivocal defined for English-language learners
See equivocal defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of EQUIVOCAL
- When I go to galleries to see new art. … I don't care about what I see unless it holds my eye, and that is an almost involuntary experience; but once something has that hold on me—even in a tentative, equivocal way—other factors come into play, and I find myself reaching for analogies, ideas, theories. —Jed Perl, New Republic, 20 Mar. 2000
- He [Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec] frequented the sleazy underworld of Paris, but moved in top circles too, and by virtue of his equivocal status as a landed gentleman-turned-bohemian artist, was sufficiently an outsider to be a detached observer of the diverse social classes among whom he ranged so freely. —Elizabeth Cowling, Times Literary Supplement, 8 Nov. 1991
- … in the past, photographs of real situations in color have invited a sense of ambiguity, an element of distrust on the part of viewers, perhaps because the saturated dyes of color film seem to have an equivocal relationship to the harsher realities of social conditions. —Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
- [+]more
Origin of EQUIVOCAL
Late Latin aequivocus, from aequi- equi- + voc-, vox voice — more at voice
Related to EQUIVOCAL
- Synonyms
- debatable, disputable, dodgy [chiefly British], doubtable, dubious, dubitable, doubtful, fishy, problematic (also problematical), queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious
Synonym Discussion of EQUIVOCAL
obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge <obscure poems>. dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion <muttered dark hints of revenge>. vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration <a vague sense of obligation>. enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality <enigmatic occult writings>. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning <cryptic hints of hidden treasure>. ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation <an ambiguous directive>. equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading <moral precepts with equivocal phrasing>.
Rhymes with EQUIVOCAL
Learn More About EQUIVOCAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: equivocal generationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: equivocacyAll Words Near: equivocal
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up equivocal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).