Definition of equivocal. Meaning of equivocal. Synonyms of equivocal

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Definition of equivocal

Equivocal
Equivocal E*quiv"o*cal, a. [L. aequivocus: aequus equal + vox, vocis, word. See Equal, and Voice, and cf. Equivoque.] 1. (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. For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes. --Jeffrey. 2. Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected; as, his actions are equivocal. ``Equivocal repentances.' --Milton. 3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful. ``How equivocal a test.' --Burke. Equivocal chord (Mus.), a chord which can be resolved into several distinct keys; one whose intervals, being all minor thirds, do not clearly indicate its fundamental tone or root; the chord of the diminished triad, and the diminished seventh. Syn: Ambiguous; doubtful; uncertain; indeterminate. Usage: Equivocal, Ambiguous. We call an expression ambiguous when it has one general meaning, and yet contains certain words which may be taken in two different senses; or certain clauses which can be so connected with other clauses as to divide the mind between different views of part of the meaning intended. We call an expression equivocal when, taken as a whole, it conveys a given thought with perfect clearness and propriety, and also another thought with equal propriety and clearness. Such were the responses often given by the Delphic oracle; as that to Cr?sus when consulting about a war with Persia: ``If you cross the Halys, you will destroy a great empire.' This he applied to the Persian empire, which lay beyond that river, and, having crossed, destroyed his own, empire in the conflict. What is ambiguous is a mere blunder of language; what is equivocal is usually intended to deceive, though it may occur at times from mere inadvertence. Equivocation is applied only to cases where there is a design to deceive.
Equivocal
Equivocal E*quiv"o*cal, n. A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term; an equivoque. In languages of great ductility, equivocals like that just referred to are rarely found. --Fitzed. Hall.

Meaning of equivocal from wikipedia

- Look up equivocal in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Equivocal is the grammatical quality of ambiguity due to a term's having multiple meanings. It is...
- In music theory, a diminished triad is a triad consisting of two minor thirds above the root. It is a minor triad with a lowered (flattened) fifth. When...
- subsequently diversified into all the forms that now exist. The term equivocal generation, sometimes known as heterogenesis or xenogenesis, describes...
- imaging <4 w****s Equivocal physical examination or risk factors No imaging Physical findings of DDH Ultrasonography 4 w****s - 4 months Equivocal physical examination...
- the process of making sense of equivocal information. Organizational members are instrumental to reduce equivocality and achieve sensemaking through...
- role 2018 Why Can't I Mother Short film 2019 Equivocal Redemption Samantha's Mother Film 2021 Equivocal Redemption: The Series Samantha's Mother Miniseries...
- personal communication media are generally more effective for communicating equivocal issues in contrast with leaner, less rich media. Media richness theory...
- bougonia was a ritual based on the belief that bees were spontaneously (equivocally) generated from a cow's carc****, although it is possible that the ritual...
- Rowland York or Yorke (died 1588) was an English soldier of fortune and defector to Spain. Rowland York was the ninth of eleven sons of Sir John York....
- counties. Some authors have described the meaning of this term as being equivocal: referring to Northern Ireland as being a province both of the United...