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What are some examples of equivocate?

What are some examples of equivocate?

The fallacy of equivocation occurs when a key term or phrase in an argument is used in an ambiguous way, with one meaning in one portion of the argument and then another meaning in another portion of the argument. Examples: I have the right to watch “The Real World.” Therefore it’s right for me to watch the show.

What is equivocation in simple words?

Definition of equivocation : deliberate evasiveness in wording : the use of ambiguous or equivocal language Like any good teacher, he does his best to answer with clarity and minimal equivocation.—

What is the best definition of equivocate?

verb (used without object), e·quiv·o·cat·ed, e·quiv·o·cat·ing. to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge: When asked directly for his position on disarmament, the candidate only equivocated.

How do you equivocate?

Equivocation is the deliberate use of vague or ambiguous language, with the intent of deceiving others or avoiding commitment to a specific stance. For example, when a person is asked a direct yes-or-no question, and gives a vague response that doesn’t answer the question, that person is equivocating.

Does equivocate mean equal?

Equivocate and its adjective and noun relations, equivocal and equivocation, come from Late Latin aequivocus, itself from aequi-, meaning “equal” or “equally,” and voc- or vox, meaning “voice.” “Equal voice” sounds like a nicely egalitarian kind of notion, but in this case it’s conflicting interpretations that have …

Why is equivocation used?

Equivocation allows the writer or speaker to avoid making a firm commitment to any particular position, which is a useful – though very deceptive – way of avoiding counterarguments or hard questions. In formal arguments, equivocation can be used to make a deceptively persuasive argument.

What is online equivocation?

the use of equivocal or ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead or hedge; prevarication.

Whats the meaning of equivocate?

Definition of equivocate intransitive verb. 1 : to use equivocal language especially with intent to deceive. 2 : to avoid committing oneself in what one says.

Why do we equivocate?

To equivocate is to say something in a way that can be understood multiple ways, especially so that people will think you mean one thing when you really mean another. It’s choosing and arranging your words carefully so that you’re not quite lying but so that your listener winds up deceived or misled.

What part of speech is equivocate?

intransitive verb
equivocate

part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: equivocates, equivocating, equivocated

What is an equivocation in writing?

Commonly known as “doublespeak,” equivocation (pronounced ee-QUIV-oh-KAY-shun) is the use of vague language to hide one’s meaning or to avoid committing to a point of view.

What is equivocation language?

noun. the use of equivocal or ambiguous expressions, especially in order to mislead or hedge; prevarication. an equivocal, ambiguous expression; equivoque: The speech was marked by elaborate equivocations.

Which is an example of equivocate in a sentence?

Definition of Equivocate. to use unclear language especially to deceive or mislead someone. Examples of Equivocate in a sentence. The crooked salesman went out of his way to equivocate the sales terms to the elderly couple. 🔊. When things are not going Margie’s way, she will often twist the truth and equivocate to put things in her favor.

What is the meaning of the word equivocal?

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.

What did Lincoln mean by ” I Won’t equivocate “?

As Brookhiser fully appreciates—he does not equivocate or run from the truth—Lincoln was no radical, no abolitionist. “I won’t equivocate ,” responded the head of the Falkins family with blunt directness. At all events, for some reason, the ex-Attorney-General was afraid to accept this opportunity to equivocate.