Equivocal

The word 'equivocal' describes something that is open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous or vague. It can also refer to something that is uncertain or doubtful in nature. An equivocal statement lacks clarity and can be understood in multiple ways, potentially leading to confusion or misinterpretation. The equivocal nature might stem from deliberately vague wording intended to conceal the truth or from a lack of precision in the expression.

Equivocal meaning with examples

• The politician's answer to the question about raising taxes was deliberately equivocal, leaving voters unsure of their true stance on the controversial economic issue.
• The results of the scientific study were equivocal, as the data could be interpreted to support either of two opposing hypotheses and further research was needed.
• His equivocal expression after receiving the gift made it difficult to determine whether he genuinely appreciated it or was merely being polite to the giver.
• The fortune teller's predictions were so equivocal that they could be applied to almost any situation, rendering them essentially meaningless and empty.