adjective

equivocal

ih-KWIV-uh-kuhl

Equivocal (adjective) means Open to more than one interpretation, often deliberately so, and therefore hard to pin down. Example: “He gave an equivocal answer that committed him to nothing.”

adjective

Open to more than one interpretation, often deliberately so, and therefore hard to pin down.

"He gave an equivocal answer that committed him to nothing."

"Her equivocal praise left everyone wondering what she really thought."

Of evidence or results: inconclusive, pointing in no clear direction.

"The blood test came back equivocal, so it was repeated a week later."

"The trial data on the drug remain equivocal."

How to use equivocal

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnclear, or able to be taken more than one way.

When to use it

Formal in everyday use; a precise technical term in laboratory reporting.

Memory tip

The opposite, unequivocal, is far commoner in speech — 'an unequivocal yes'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

unequivocal → ambiguous → equitable →

Common pairings

equivocal answer equivocal result equivocal evidence equivocal terms

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Can you complete this real example?

He gave an _____ answer that committed him to nothing.

Etymology

From Late Latin aequivocus 'of equal voice, ambiguous', from aequus 'equal' and vocare 'to call'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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ambiguous vague evasive noncommittal cryptic inconclusive indeterminate borderline

Antonyms

unequivocal clear-cut explicit definite conclusive definitive

Related words

sure final certain specific standard rule border classic

Rhymes for equivocal

vocal local focal reciprocal unequivocal

See all rhymes for equivocal →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between equivocal and ambiguous?

Ambiguous simply means a thing can be read two ways, often by accident. Equivocal usually carries a hint of intent or of unhelpful vagueness — an equivocal reply is one that dodges. In medicine and science, equivocal has the extra technical sense of 'inconclusive'.

What does an equivocal test result mean?

It means the result fell in the grey zone between positive and negative, so the lab cannot call it either way. It is not a diagnosis; the usual next step is to repeat the test or run a different one.

What is the meaning of equivocal?

"equivocal" (adjective) means open to more than one interpretation, often deliberately so, and therefore hard to pin down.

What is another word for equivocal?

Other words for "equivocal" include ambiguous, vague, evasive, noncommittal, cryptic, inconclusive.

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