Word of The Day
Equivocal
📘 Definitions
not clear and seeming to have two opposing meanings, or confusing and able to be understood in two different ways.
✍️ Example Sentence
My Partners response to contributing an equivalent amount for our bills was equivocal
Origin and History
“of doubtful signification, capable of being understood in different senses,” c. 1600, with -al (1) + Late Latin aequivocus “of identical sound, of equal voice, of equal significance, ambiguous, of like sound,” past participle of aequivocare. This is from aequus “equal” (see equal (adj.)) + vocare “to call,” which is related to vox (genitive vocis) “voice” (from PIE root *wekw- “to speak”).
Earlier in same sense was equivoque (late 14c.). Its opposite is univocal. Related: Equivocally (1570s).
🌱 Why We Love This Word
This word is perfect for many scenarios in life that are vague or are not clear. It applies to many situations where clarity is not key. Examples are Relationships, Future, lottery, Unaccountability and of course our British Weather.
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