equivocal
Etymology

From aequivocus + -al, from aequus + vocō.

Pronunciation
  • (British) IPA: /əˈkwɪvəkəl/
  • (America) IPA: /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/
Adjective

equivocal

  1. Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.
    Synonyms: ambiguous, indeterminate
    Antonyms: unequivocal, univocal
    equivocal words
    an equivocal sentence
    • 1817, William Hazlitt, Characters of Shakespeare's Plays:
      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.
    • 1649, J[ohn] Milton, ΕΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΆΣΤΗΣ [Eikonoklástēs] […], London: […] Matthew Simmons, […], →OCLC ↗:
      equivocal repentances
  3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign.
    Synonyms: uncertain, doubtful, incongruous
    Antonyms: certain
    • 1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], 10th edition, London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles] Rivington, […], →OCLC ↗:
      How equivocal a test.
Related terms Translations Translations Translations Noun

equivocal (plural equivocals)

  1. (philosophy) A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.
    Synonyms: double entendre, equivoque
Translations


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