What is the difference between equivocal and ambiguous?
equivocal | ambiguous |
Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain.
* Jeffrey
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
* Milton
Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
* Burke
Open to multiple interpretations.
Vague and unclear.
(obsolete, of persons) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
* 1662 (Thomas Salusbury)
Ambiguous is a antonym of equivocal.
Ambiguous is a synonym of equivocal.
As adjectives the difference between equivocal and ambiguous
is that equivocal is having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain while ambiguous is open to multiple interpretations.As a noun equivocal
is a word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque.equivocal
English
(Webster 1913)Alternative forms
* (rare)Synonyms
* double entendreAdjective
(en adjective)- equivocal''' words; an '''equivocal sentence
- For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.
- His actions are equivocal .
- equivocal repentances
- How equivocal a test.
Synonyms
* ambiguous, doubtful, uncertain, indeterminateAntonyms
* unequivocal * (l)Derived terms
* equivocalnessExternal links
* *ambiguous
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
- He gave an ambiguous answer.
- And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous , and Simplicius is resolute....