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: past tense]
Example
She tends to equivocate when she doesn't want to give a direct answer. [equivocate: verb]
mislead
Example
The advertisement was misleading because it made false claims about the product. [misleading: adjective]
Example
He intentionally misled his friend about his whereabouts to avoid meeting up. [misled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mislead is more commonly used than equivocate in everyday language. Mislead is a more straightforward term that is often used in news headlines and legal contexts. Equivocate is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between equivocate and mislead?
Equivocate is generally considered more formal than mislead. It is often used in academic or professional writing to describe a lack of clarity or ambiguity in communication. Mislead is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
