equivocal

/ɪˈkwɪvəkl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈkwɪvəkl/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈkwi-və-kəl/ (ame, mw)

equivocal — adjective

  • equivocalpositive
  • more equivocalcomparative
  • most equivocalsuperlative

1. Said or written so people may read two possible meanings or a hidden purpose int

1.形容詞C2
釋義

Said or written so people may read two possible meanings or a hidden purpose into it.

例句

Eli gave an equivocal answer when the board asked about the merger.

pattern: equivocal answer

The minister's equivocal statement left reporters unsure whether taxes would rise.

同義詞
  • ambiguous

    Broader and more common; it can describe any unclear meaning, while 'equivocal' often suggests strategic non-commitment.

  • evasive

    Stronger and more critical; it emphasizes avoiding a direct answer more than double meaning.

  • noncommittal

    Focuses on refusing to take a side, while 'equivocal' also highlights wording that supports multiple readings.

反義詞
  • explicit

    States the meaning directly and leaves little room for alternative readings.

  • unequivocal

    Formal opposite; it means entirely clear and not open to doubt.

  • direct

    Common everyday opposite for plain, straightforward wording.

文法句型

equivocal answer

equivocal statement

be equivocal about + noun/gerund

equivocal wording

用法筆記

Often describes answers, promises, or public statements that avoid a firm commitment. Distinguish from sense 2, which is usually about evidence or signs rather than wording.

常見錯誤

❌Lina felt equivocal about moving abroad.
✅Lina felt ambivalent about moving abroad.
💡'Equivocal' describes unclear language or signs, not mixed feelings.
❌The manager gave an equivocal no.
✅The manager gave an equivocal answer.
💡A direct 'no' is clear; 'equivocal' is used for language that leaves room for interpretation.

2. Not giving a firm enough sign or result to settle what is true.

2.形容詞C2
釋義

Not giving a firm enough sign or result to settle what is true.

例句

The early blood test was equivocal, so the clinic ordered another sample.

medical use: equivocal test result

Rohan found the market data equivocal after two stores reported opposite trends.

同義詞
  • inconclusive

    More common in reports and research writing; it directly emphasizes that no decision can yet be made.

  • uncertain

    Broader and less formal; it can describe many kinds of doubt, not just evidence that fails to decide an issue.

  • doubtful

    Often suggests suspicion or low confidence, while 'equivocal' stresses mixed or insufficient signals.

反義詞
  • conclusive

    Provides enough proof to settle the question.

  • clear-cut

    Informal opposite for a result or sign that points decisively in one direction.

  • definitive

    Emphasizes final authority or certainty in the result.

文法句型

be equivocal

remain equivocal

equivocal evidence

equivocal result

用法筆記

Subject is usually evidence, findings, symptoms, or other signals that do not support a firm conclusion. Distinguish from sense 1, which focuses on wording or intention rather than proof.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor said the scan was equivocal, so the patient was clearly healthy.
✅The doctor said the scan was equivocal, so more tests were needed.
💡If evidence is equivocal, it does not justify a firm conclusion.
❌The witness gave equivocal evidence because she wanted to hide the truth.
✅The witness gave an equivocal answer because she wanted to hide the truth.
💡Sense 2 is about inconclusive proof, not evasive wording from a speaker.