What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ambiguous
Example
The politician's speech was ambiguous and left many people unsure of his stance on the issue. [ambiguous: adjective]
Example
The instructions were written in an ambiguous manner, making it difficult to understand what was required. [ambiguous: adjective]
equivocal
Example
The CEO's response to the question was equivocal, leaving the employees unsure of the company's future plans. [equivocal: adjective]
Example
The author used equivocal language in the book, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the characters' motivations. [equivocal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ambiguous is more common in everyday language than equivocal. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while equivocal is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ambiguous and equivocal?
Equivocal is more formal than ambiguous. It is often used in legal or academic contexts where precision and clarity are essential, while ambiguous is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
