What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
equivocate
Example
The politician equivocated when asked about his stance on the issue. [equivocated: verb]
Example
She was known for her tendency to equivocate when asked difficult questions. [equivocating: gerund or present participle]
evade
Example
He tried to evade paying his taxes by hiding his income. [evaded: verb]
Example
She evaded the question by changing the subject. [evading: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Evade is more commonly used than equivocate in everyday language. Evade is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while equivocate is less common and is typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between equivocate and evade?
Equivocate is typically associated with a formal tone, while evade is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.