equivocal
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “equivocal” mean?
adjective.open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
SAT Usage
equivocal is often found in passages discussing communication, philosophy, or legal contexts, where clarity is crucial. It emphasizes uncertainty or the potential for misinterpretation, distinguishing it from similar words like "ambiguous," which may not imply a deliberate intent to confuse.
Common Confusions
Equivocal implies a deliberate ambiguity or uncertainty, while ambiguous usually suggests a lack of clarity without the intention to confuse.
Do not choose equivocal if the context emphasizes clarity or certainty rather than being open to more than one interpretation or ambiguous.
Example Sentences
-
Her equivocal response left the committee uncertain about her true position.