What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Ambiguity vs Equivocate - What's the difference?

ambiguity | equivocate |

As a noun ambiguity

is (countable) something, particulary words and sentences, that is open to more than one interpretation, explanation or meaning, if that meaning etc cannot be determined from its context.

As a verb equivocate is

to use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.

ambiguity

Noun

  • (countable) Something, particulary words and sentences, that is open to more than one interpretation, explanation or meaning, if that meaning etc cannot be determined from its context.
  • His speech was made with such great ambiguity that neither supporter nor opponent could be certain of his true position.
  • (uncountable) The state of being ambiguous.
  • Synonyms

    * (state of being ambiguous) ambiguousness, imprecision

    Antonyms

    * unambiguity

    equivocate

    English

    (Webster 1913)

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Verb

    (equivocat)
  • To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.
  • All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate . -.
  • To render equivocal or ambiguous.
  • He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. -.

    Synonyms

    * prevaricate * evade * shuffle * quibble * dodge * adumbrate

    See also

    * prevaricate