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Definition of Equivocation
1. Noun. A statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth.
Generic synonyms: Deceit, Deception, Misrepresentation
Specialized synonyms: Circumlocution, Indirect Expression, Doublespeak, Hedge, Hedging, Cavil, Quibble, Quiddity
Derivative terms: Equivocate
2. Noun. Intentionally vague or ambiguous.
Generic synonyms: Ambiguity, Equivocalness, Untruthfulness
Derivative terms: Equivocate, Evasive, Prevaricate
3. Noun. Falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language.
Generic synonyms: Falsification, Misrepresentation
Derivative terms: Equivocate, Tergiversate
Definition of Equivocation
1. n. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead.
Definition of Equivocation
1. Noun. (logic) A logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expression. ¹
2. Noun. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, possibly intentionally and with the aim of misleading. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Equivocation
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Equivocation
1. The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, with a purpose to mislead. "There being no room for equivocations, there is no need of distinctions." (Locke) Synonym: Prevarication, ambiguity, shuffling, evasion, guibbling. See Equivocal, and Prevaricate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Equivocation
Literary usage of Equivocation
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Present Philosophical Tendencies: A Critical Survey of Naturalism, Idealism by Ralph Barton Perry (1912)
"In other words, idealism, like pre- Kantian absolutism, appears to escape formalism
only by falling into the more serious error of equivocation. ..."
2. A Complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason and ...by Thomas Bayly Howell by Thomas Bayly Howell (1816)
"As often as it is lawful in his own defence to use any equivocations, it will
lie also ln«ful, though he that interrogates do urge that equivocation be ..."
3. Apologia Pro Vita Sua: Being a History of His Religious Opinions by John Henry Newman (1902)
"LYING AND equivocation. ALMOST all authors, Catholic arid Protestant, admit, ...
Another mode of verbal misleading is equivocation or a Jay upon words ..."
4. A Treatise on Human Nature: Being an Attempt to Introduce the Experimental by David Hume, Thomas Hill Green, Thomas Hodge Grose (1882)
"In this passage the equivocation between ' impression' it turua as feeling, and '
impression' as conception of the manner in uP°u .ev"- which feelings occur ..."
5. An Illustrated Treatise on the Law of Evidence by Thomas Welburn Hughes (1905)
"equivocation.—Declarations of intention, pertaining to the subject-matter of a
... The one exception is the -case of an equivocation. An equivocation is ..."
6. A New Logic by Charles Arthur Mercier (1912)
"THE FALLACY OF equivocation. The fallacy of equivocation is a pervading and
ubiquitous fallacy. It varies in subtlety from a manifest pun, that would not ..."
7. A Treatise on General Practice: Containing Rules and Suggestions for the by Byron Kosciusko Elliott, William Frederick Elliott (1894)
"Fallacy of equivocation.—A form of the fallacy which we are discussing, more
mischievous and insidious than one who has not observed the mischief it works ..."
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