Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Equivocation

E-quivˊo-ca′tion

,
Noun.
The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead.
Syn. – Prevarication; ambiguity; shuffling; evasion; guibbling. See
Equivocal
,
Adj.
, and
Prevaricate
,
Verb.
I.

Webster 1828 Edition

Equivocation

EQUIVOCA'TION

,
Noun.
Ambiguity of speech; the use of words or expressions that are susceptible of a double signification. Hypocrites are often guilty of equivocation, and by this means lose the confidence of their fellow men. Equivocation is incompatible with the christian character and profession.

Definition 2024

equivocation

equivocation

English

Alternative forms

Noun

equivocation ‎(plural equivocations)

  1. (logic) A logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expression.
  2. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, possibly intentionally and with the aim of misleading.

Related terms

Translations

References

  1. ↑ “equivocation” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary (2001).

Old French

Noun

equivocation f ‎(oblique plural equivocations, nominative singular equivocation, nominative plural equivocations)

  1. equivocation
    • Si avoit trovee occasion de li gaber par l'equivocation de son nom

Etymology

c. 1380, from Old French equivocation, from Medieval Latin aequivocātiōnem, accusative singular of aequivocātiō, from aequivocō, from Late Latin aequivocus ‎(“ambiguous, equivocal”), from Latin aequus ‎(“equal”) + vocō ‎(“call”); a calque of Ancient Greek ὁμωνυμία ‎(homōnumía).[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃən/, /ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃn̩/
  • Hyphenation: e‧quiv‧o‧ca‧tion
  • Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Similar Results