1
Ambiguous evidence
Support more than one conclusion.
Example
The initial results were equivocal.
equivocal
/ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ · ih-KWIV-uh-kuhladjective
Open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
Use equivocal when the context supports this precise meaning: open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
What equivocal Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Evasive statement
Avoid taking a clear position.
Example
The minister gave an equivocal response to the direct question.
3
Uncertain outcome
Fail to demonstrate a decisive effect.
Example
Evidence for the treatment remains equivocal.
Use equivocal Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The initial results were equivocal.
The minister gave an equivocal response to the direct question.
Evidence for the treatment remains equivocal.
Precision Matters
Equivocal overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
equivocal
vs.Means open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
unequivocal
Means completely clear and leaving no room for doubt.
equivocal
vs.Means open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
ambiguous
Means open to more than one reasonable interpretation.
equivocal
vs.Means open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
candid
Means honest, direct, and unguarded in expression.
equivocal
vs.Means open to multiple interpretations or deliberately noncommittal.
explicit
Means stated directly and with complete clarity.
Test equivocal in Context
The evidence supports no single decisive conclusion.
1
Because one trial showed improvement and another showed none, the evidence remained ___.