equivocal

comparative more equivocal · superlative most equivocal · alternative obsolete æquivocal

1. Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.

   equivocal words

   2 more examples

   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.

   1817, William Hazlitt, Characters of Shakespeare's Plays

   Synonyms: ambiguous, indeterminate · Antonyms: unequivocal, univocal

2. Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.

   His actions are equivocal.

   2 more examples

   equivocal repentances

   1649, J[ohn] Milton, ΕΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΆΣΤΗΣ [Eikonoklástēs] […], London: […] Matthew Simmons, […], →OCLC

   From that position he observed his confederate go through the curious procedure of kneeling down on the bedroom floor and for a full minute pressing his ear to the sheet of metal that had already engaged his attention. Then he rose to his feet, nodded, dusted his trousers, and Mr Carlyle moved to a less equivocal position.

   1914, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados

3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign.

   How equivocal a test.

   1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles] Rivington, […], →OCLC

   Synonyms: uncertain, doubtful, incongruous · Antonyms: certain

plural equivocals · alternative obsolete æquivocal

1. human sciencesA word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.

   Some equivocals are merely ambiguous. Sharp is an example. It is equivocal since it is appropriate to call different types of things 'sharp' though what it is for them to be sharp differs.

   2012, Deborah Achtenberg, Cognition of Value in Aristotle's Ethics

   Synonyms: double entendre, equivoque