equivocal

English

Part or all of this entry has been imported from the 1913 edition of Webster’s Dictionary, which is now free of copyright and hence in the public domain. The imported definitions may be significantly out of date, and any more recent senses may be completely missing.
(See the entry for equivocal in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.)

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Late Latin aequivocus, from aequus +‎ vocō.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /əˈkwɪvəkəl/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/
  • hyphenation UK: equivo‧cal

Noun

equivocal (plural equivocals)

  1. A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.

Synonyms

Translations

Adjective

equivocal (comparative more equivocal, superlative most equivocal)

  1. Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
    equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
    • Francis Jeffrey
      For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
  2. Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
    His actions are equivocal.
    • Milton
      equivocal repentances
  3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
    • Burke
      How equivocal a test.

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Translations

Further reading

  • equivocal in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • equivocal in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
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