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Ambiguous vs. Equivocate

Ambiguous and Equivocate Definitions

Ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation
An ambiguous reply.

Equivocate

To use equivocal language in an attempt to mislead. ]

Ambiguous

Doubtful or uncertain
"The theatrical status of her frequently derided but constantly revived plays remained ambiguous" (Frank Rich).

Equivocate

(intransitive) To speak using double meaning; to speak ambiguously, unclearly or doubtfully, with intent to deceive.

Ambiguous

Open to multiple interpretations.
The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.

Equivocate

(transitive) To render equivocal or ambiguous.
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Ambiguous

Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.

Equivocate

To use words of equivocal or doubtful signification; to express one's opinions in terms which admit of different senses, with intent to deceive; to use ambiguous expressions with a view to mislead; as, to equivocate is the work of duplicity.
All that Garnet had to say for him was that he supposed he meant to equivocate.

Ambiguous

Doubtful or uncertain, particularly in respect to signification; capable of being understood in either of two or more possible senses; equivocal; as, an ambiguous course; an ambiguous expression.
What have been thy answers? What but dark,Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding?

Equivocate

To render equivocal or ambiguous.
He equivocated his vow by a mental reservation.

Ambiguous

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

Equivocate

Be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
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Ambiguous

Having more than one possible meaning;
Ambiguous words
Frustrated by ambiguous instructions, the parents were unable to assemble the toy

Ambiguous

Having no intrinsic or objective meaning; not organized in conventional patterns;
An ambiguous situation with no frame of reference
Ambiguous inkblots

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