Question

equivocate As the company directors continued to equivocate, the union prepared to return to the picket lines. ɪkˈwɪvəˌkeɪt

Accepted Answer

(1) To use ambiguous language, especially in order to deceive. (2) To avoid giving a direct answer. With its root equi-, meaning “equal,” equivocate suggests speaking on both sides of an issue at the same time. An equivocal answer is one that manages not to take a stand; an unequivocal answer, by contrast, is strong and clear. Politicians are famous for equivocating, but equivocation is also typical of used-car salesmen, nervous witnesses in a courtroom, and guys whose girlfriends ask them how committed they are to a relationship.

word	equivocate
definition	(1) To use ambiguous language, especially in order to deceive. (2) To avoid giving a direct answer.
eg_sentence	As the company directors continued to equivocate, the union prepared to return to the picket lines.
explanation	With its root equi-, meaning “equal,” equivocate suggests speaking on both sides of an issue at the same time. An equivocal answer is one that manages not to take a stand; an unequivocal answer, by contrast, is strong and clear. Politicians are famous for equivocating, but equivocation is also typical of used-car salesmen, nervous witnesses in a courtroom, and guys whose girlfriends ask them how committed they are to a relationship.
IPA	ɪkˈwɪvəˌkeɪt

Equivocate Ambiguous Language Order Deceive Avoid Giving Direct