EQUIVOCATE (Verb)

Meaning- 1) to be deliberately ambiguous, or unclear in order to deceive or to mislead someone.

                        2) to speak vaguely; especially, in order to avoid a commitment or to fool other people.

Mnemonic trick- The word equivocate can be memorized by thinking that it is made up of two words ‘equi’ and ‘vocal’. ‘Equi’ means equal and vocal denotes voice. If a person gives both answers ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, then the person is equivocating. Therefore, equivocate means to deliberately ambiguous, or unclear in order to deceive or to mislead someone.

Synonym- Beat around the bush

Uses-

•          The interviewee seemed to be equivocating when he was asked why he was leaving his current job and wanting to work with other company.
•          The judge warned the witness not to equivocate when the attorney asked her for details about the crime that she saw taking place at the bank.
•          When asked about her future plan, the candidate did n’ t equivocate.
•          Lawyer insidiously equivocates, so that the jury remains doubtful.