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 was known to equivocate when confronted with difficult questions. [equivocating: present participle]
prevaricate
Example
He prevaricated when asked about his involvement in the scandal. [prevaricated: past tense]
Example
She accused him of prevaricating and not being truthful about his whereabouts. [prevaricating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevaricate is more commonly used than equivocate in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Equivocate is less common and may be more familiar to advanced English learners or in formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between equivocate and prevaricate?
Equivocate is generally considered more formal than prevaricate, which is often associated with informal or colloquial language.
