A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque
Having two or more significations equally applicable; capable of double or multiple interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal
{s} providing ambiguous information or answers (especially with intent to deceive); ambiguous, having two or more possible meanings; questionable, doubtful; uncertain, undecided
Subject to more than one interpretation Unclearly communicated Vague Uncertainty regarding intent Compare univocal
(Literally, called equally one thing or the other; hence: ) Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
If you are equivocal, you are deliberately vague in what you say, because you want to avoid speaking the truth or making a decision. Many were equivocal about the idea His equivocal response has done nothing to dampen the speculation
If something is equivocal, it is difficult to understand, interpret, or explain, often because it has aspects that seem to contradict each other. Research in this area is somewhat equivocal He was tortured by an awareness of the equivocal nature of his position
uncertain as a sign or indication; "the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal" open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead; "an equivocal statement"; "the polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates"; "the officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness"; "popularity is an equivocal crown"; "an equivocal response to an embarrassing question" open to question; "aliens of equivocal loyalty"; "his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son"-Anna Jameson
Having two significations equally applicable; capable of double interpretation; of doubtful meaning; ambiguous; uncertain; as, equivocal words; an equivocal sentence
uncertain as a sign or indication; "the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal"
terms, like poverty, may be followed by links to all the meanings of the term found in the draft, and
(Adj) -allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, esp with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous