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equivocal

 - 2 dictionary results

e⋅quiv⋅o⋅cal

  [i-kwiv-uh-kuhl]
Use equivocal in a Sentence
–adjective
1. allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, esp. with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer.
2. of doubtful nature or character; questionable; dubious; suspicious: aliens of equivocal loyalty.
3. of uncertain significance; not determined: an equivocal attitude.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME equivoc (< LL aequivocus ambiguous, equiv. to L aequi- equi- + vōc-, s. of vōx vox + -us adj. suffix) + -al 1

Related forms:
e⋅quiv⋅o⋅cal⋅i⋅ty, e⋅quiv⋅o⋅ca⋅cy  [i-kwiv-uh-kuh-see] , noun
e⋅quiv⋅o⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
e⋅quiv⋅o⋅cal⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. See ambiguous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To equivocal
e·quiv·o·cal   (ĭ-kwĭv'ə-kəl)   
adj.  

  1. Open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead; ambiguous. See Synonyms at ambiguous.

  2. Of uncertain significance.

  3. Of a doubtful or uncertain nature.


[From Late Latin aequivocus : Latin aequi-, equi- + Latin vocāre, to call; see wekw- in Indo-European roots.]
e·quiv'o·cal'i·ty (-kāl'ĭ-tē), e·quiv'o·cal·ness n., e·quiv'o·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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