equivocal

[ ih-kwiv-uh-kuh l ]
/ ɪˈkwɪv ə kəl /

adjective

allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, especially with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer.
of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious: aliens of equivocal loyalty.
of uncertain significance; not determined: an equivocal attitude.

Origin of equivocal

1375–1425; late Middle English equivoc (< Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, equivalent to Latin aequi- equi- + vōc-, stem of vōx voice + -us adj. suffix) + -al1

synonym study for equivocal

1. See ambiguous.

pronunciation note for equivocal

The four-syllable word equivocal is sometimes said by those not entirely familiar with it as [ih-kwiv-uh-kuh-buh l] /ɪˈkwɪv ə kə bəl/, as if it were a five-syllable word, equivocable. This is probably the result of conflation with the pronunciations heard for many common adjectives that do end with -cable, as applicable, communicable, despicable, and eradicable.
However, if you split equivocal in half, as equi- + -vocal, the relation of its spelling to its origin and meanings becomes more clear. Think “equal voices,” two or more voices in conflict over a meaning, attitude, statement, etc., resulting in ambiguity, indecision, or deception. Recombine equi- + -vocal, put the main stress on the second syllable, and you have it: [ih-kwiv-uh-kuh l] /ɪˈkwɪv ə kəl/.
The form with the extra syllable is not found in educated writing, nor are any of its matching derivatives, like equivocably, unequivocable, and unequivocably. These are not considered standard variants and are best avoided in writing and speech.

OTHER WORDS FROM equivocal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH equivocal

equivalent equivocal

Example sentences from the Web for equivocality

  • So they remain equivocal; and, as the world goes, their equivocality is one of their great conveniences.

British Dictionary definitions for equivocality

equivocal
/ (ɪˈkwɪvəkəl) /

adjective

capable of varying interpretations; ambiguous
deliberately misleading or vague; evasive
of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious

Derived forms of equivocal

equivocally, adverb equivocality or equivocalness, noun

Word Origin for equivocal

C17: from Late Latin aequivocus, from Latin equi- + vōx voice