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