Equivocate vs Pussyfoot - What's the difference?
equivocate | pussyfoot |
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.
To render equivocal or ambiguous.
To move silently, stealthily, or furtively.
To act timidly or cautiously.
* 2004 , ,
To use euphemistic language or circumlocution.
* 1946 , , The Unsatisfactory Supper
In lang=en terms the difference between equivocate and pussyfoot
is that 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 while pussyfoot is to use euphemistic language or circumlocution.As verbs the difference between equivocate and pussyfoot
is that 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 while pussyfoot is to move silently, stealthily, or furtively.equivocate
English
(Webster 1913)Alternative forms
* (archaic)Verb
(equivocat)- All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate . -.
- He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation. -.
Synonyms
* prevaricate * evade * shuffle * quibble * dodge * adumbrateSee also
* prevaricateExternal links
* ----pussyfoot
English
Verb
(en verb)Fripp and Eno
- — So are you going to practice what you’re preaching and stop pussyfooting around with Faye?
- — Hey, I’m 0 for 1 when it comes to practicing what I preach. These feet stay pussied for the time being.
- "Then you talk up! And plain! What's there to be so pussyfooting about?"