equivocation
A logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expressionA logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expression.
Meaning
2 senses(countable, uncountable)A logical fallacy resulting from the use of multiple meanings of a single expression.
(countable, uncountable)The use of expressions susceptible of a double signification, possibly intentionally and with the aim of misleading.
Mehrdeutigkeit, Doppeldeutigkeit, Ambiguität
- falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language
- intentionally vague or ambiguous
- a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth
Translations
5 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
c. 1380, from Middle English equivocacion, from Old French equivocation, from Medieval Latc. 1380, from Middle English equivocacion, from Old French equivocation, from Medieval Latin aequivocātiō, from aequivocō, from Late Latin aequivocus (“ambiguous, equivocal”), from Latin aequus (“equal”) + vocō (“call”); a calque of Ancient Greek ὁμωνυμία (homōnumía).
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Forms
plural: equivocations| Singular | equivocation |
|---|---|
| Plural | equivocations |
regular
Synonyms
4 synonyms- falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language:tergiversation
- intentionally vague or ambiguous:prevaricationevasiveness
- a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth:evasion
Word family
6 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable