noun

equivocation

ih-kwiv-uh-KAY-shuhn/ɪˌkwɪvəˈkeɪʃn/

Deliberately unclear language used to avoid telling the truth or giving a direct answer.

The reporter presses for a clear answer, but receives only equivocation.

Two colleagues ask manager to choose left or right option; manager gives ambiguous shrug with one tiny speech bubble IT DEPENDS, options represented by arrows not prose.

Etymology

equiLatinequal

+vocLatinto call

+ationLatinaction or process

“Equal” and “call” point to expressions with identical sounds but different meanings. Equivocation originally named a fallacy of switching meanings during reasoning; that same ambiguity can be used to evade a clear answer.

In context

UA - PLSC 4373 - Political Communication1:02

the focus of our analysis political equivocation is defined as a public figure's hesitancy inability or unwillingness to completely answer a question

PolComm W9 Political Equivocation

More examples

She answers without equivocation: the money is gone.
His repeated equivocations make it hard to trust him.
We need a firm commitment, not more equivocation.

Forms

equivocation · equivocations

equivocate verb — To use unclear language to avoid answering.

Similar words

evasion: Avoids an issue through words, actions, or silence.
prevarication: Avoids the truth through evasive or misleading statements.