Main Entry:

equiv·o·cal

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈkwi-və-kəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Late Latin aequivocus, from aequi- equi- + voc-, vox voice — more at voice

Date:

1599

1 a: subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse <an equivocal statement> b: uncertain as an indication or sign <equivocal evidence>2 a: of uncertain nature or classification <equivocal shapes> b: of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : undecided <an equivocal attitude> c: of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude <equivocal behavior>

synonyms see obscure

— equiv·o·cal·i·ty \-ˌkwi-və-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

— equiv·o·cal·ly \-ˈkwi-və-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— equiv·o·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun