Definition: The deliberate use of unclear or ambiguous words and language to mislead those listening and watching. Equivocate can mean concealment of the truth or avoidance of commitment.

It is also possible to use an equivocal tone of voice that indicates something not said. For example, listening to someone talk about how much they like something while they show disinterested body language.

Etymology: Early Latin origin aequivocus. Late Latin is aequivocat which led to the English verb form equivocate. One key part of the Late Latin word is “vocate” which means “give voice to” in Latin. Giving voice to two things at once makes a choice unclear for those listening.