Definitions
- Describing the act of being intentionally vague or ambiguous in speech or writing. - Referring to the use of unclear or misleading language to avoid giving a direct answer. - Talking about the act of using double meanings or ambiguous expressions to mislead or deceive.
- Describing the act of avoiding the truth or lying by deliberately making false or misleading statements. - Referring to the use of evasive or deceptive language to avoid answering a question or admitting to wrongdoing. - Talking about the act of intentionally misleading or deceiving someone through false statements or actions.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the act of being deceptive or misleading in speech or writing.
- 2Both words involve the use of ambiguous or evasive language.
- 3Both words can be used to avoid giving a direct answer or admitting to wrongdoing.
What is the difference?
- 1Intent: Equivocate implies intentional vagueness or ambiguity, while prevaricate implies deliberate deception or lying.
- 2Degree of deception: Prevaricate is more strongly associated with dishonesty and falsehood than equivocate.
- 3Connotation: Prevaricate has a more negative connotation than equivocate, which can sometimes be used in a neutral or positive context.
- 4Formality: Equivocate is generally considered more formal than prevaricate, which is often associated with informal or colloquial language.
- 5Usage: Equivocate is less common than prevaricate and may be less familiar to some English learners.
Remember this!
Equivocate and prevaricate are synonyms that both describe the act of being deceptive or misleading in speech or writing. However, equivocate implies intentional vagueness or ambiguity, while prevaricate implies deliberate deception or lying. Additionally, prevaricate has a more negative connotation and is more commonly used in informal language.
