To use ambiguous language deliberately to conceal the truth or avoid committing to a position. To speak evasively or misleadingly by using words with multiple meanings.
From Latin 'aequivocus' meaning 'of equal voice,' from 'aequus' (equal) + 'vox' (voice). The idea is that the speaker gives equal weight to multiple meanings, making their true intent unclear.
Remember 'equi-' means equal and 'voc' means voice — so equivocating is speaking with an 'equal voice' to multiple meanings, like a politician who says 'I support families' without specifying which policies they actually endorse.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.