Equivocating

Equivocating refers to the act of using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing oneself to a specific position. This often allows a speaker to maintain plausible deniability or to manipulate the interpretation of their statements, creating uncertainty or confusion in the communication process.

Equivocating meaning with examples

• During the press conference, the politician was equivocating about his stance on climate change, dodging direct questions and providing vague responses that left the audience unsure of where he truly stood on the issue at hand. Such tactics are common in political discourse, where clarity can sometimes be sacrificed for strategic ambiguity.
• In a conversation about the future of the project, she found herself equivocating to avoid revealing the team's internal conflicts. Her careful choice of words allowed her to navigate the discussion without making any commitments, which kept her safe from potential backlash or criticism from her colleagues.
• The witness in the courtroom began equivocating when pressed for details about the night of the incident. His hesitant and unclear responses created doubt among jurors, demonstrating how evasive language can alter the clarity of testimony and potentially impact the jury's perception of the case.
• When asked about the company's financial troubles, the CEO resorted to equivocating, using jargon and generalities that obscured the facts. His reluctance to give clear information raised suspicions among investors, highlighting the risks of ambiguous speech in high-stakes business environments.
• At the debate, one candidate was skilled at equivocating, often answering questions in a way that seemed responsive but ultimately avoided clear positions. This strategy left the audience questioning his actual views and allowed him to appeal to a wider range of voters without truly committing.