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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
equivocal answer
equivocal result
equivocal evidence
equivocal terms
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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'.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for equivocal
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.
