equivocate
US
/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/
UK
/ɪˈkwɪvəkeɪt/
Meaning
To speak vaguely or indirectly to avoid giving a clear answer or making a firm commitment.
साफ़ जवाब देने या पक्का वादा करने से बचने के लिए गोलमोल या अस्पष्ट बात करना।
Examples
“The minister equivocated when reporters asked whether taxes would rise next year.”
“Maya equivocated when the client asked whether the deadline was guaranteed.”
“His equivocal reply left the team unsure whether the launch was approved.”
Useful patterns
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Common mistakes
Not natural: The witness equivocated the question.
Better: The witness equivocated when answering the question.
Equivocate is usually intransitive; use when answering or about a topic, not a direct object.
Equivocate आम तौर पर बिना object के आता है; इसके बाद सीधे सवाल न जोड़ें।
Not natural: He equivocated that he would support the plan.
Better: He equivocated about whether he would support the plan.
Equivocate does not introduce a direct that-clause; use about whether to show uncertainty.
Equivocate के बाद सीधे that-clause नहीं आता; अनिश्चितता बताने के लिए about whether इस्तेमाल करें।
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Learner tip
Equivocate suggests deliberate vagueness to avoid commitment; it is stronger than simply being unsure or unclear.
Equivocate में अक्सर जान-बूझकर गोलमोल बोलकर पक्के जवाब से बचने का भाव होता है; यह केवल अनिश्चित होने से ज़्यादा खास है।