equivocation

Everyday

1. Using unclear words or answers on purpose so you do not have to give a straight answer or tell the full truth. tree →
2. (logic) A mistake in an argument where one word is used with two different meanings. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and politics, equivocation shows a character dodging the question. In thinking and ethics lessons, it is a trick to spot: «a feather is light; what is light cannot be dark; so a feather cannot be dark» uses «light» in two senses. Phrases: «without equivocation», «answer without equivocation».

Examples

• The minister's answer was pure equivocation. tree →
• «Did you eat the cake?» «Well, cakes get eaten...» That is equivocation. tree →
• Please answer without equivocation: yes or no? tree →
• The argument fails because of equivocation on the word «bank». tree →
• His equivocation made us think he was hiding something. tree →
• Spot the equivocation in the riddle. tree →

Note

Formal word. Verb: equivocate. Adjective: equivocal (unclear, open to two meanings). Opposite: «unequivocal» (completely clear). Pronounced «ee-kwiv-o-KAY-shun».