Definitions
- Describing the act of being intentionally vague or ambiguous in speech or writing. - Referring to the use of language that is unclear or misleading to avoid making a clear statement. - Talking about the act of avoiding taking a firm position on an issue or topic.
- Referring to the act of using cautious or noncommittal language to avoid making a clear statement. - Describing the use of language that is deliberately vague or ambiguous to avoid taking a firm position. - Talking about the act of avoiding making a direct statement or commitment to something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve the use of language to avoid making a clear statement.
- 2Both can be used to avoid taking a firm position on an issue or topic.
- 3Both can be seen as evasive or noncommittal.
- 4Both can be used to avoid offending someone or causing conflict.
- 5Both can be used in formal or informal contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Equivocating emphasizes ambiguity and vagueness, while hedge emphasizes caution and noncommittal language.
- 2Intent: Equivocating can be intentional or unintentional, while hedge is typically intentional.
- 3Usage: Equivocating is more commonly used in spoken language, while hedge is more commonly used in written language.
- 4Connotation: Equivocating can have a negative connotation of being deceptive or dishonest, while hedge can have a neutral or slightly positive connotation of being cautious or diplomatic.
Remember this!
Equivocate and hedge are synonyms that both refer to the act of avoiding making a clear statement or taking a firm position on an issue or topic. However, equivocate emphasizes ambiguity and vagueness, while hedge emphasizes caution and noncommittal language. Equivocate can be seen as deceptive or dishonest, while hedge can be seen as diplomatic or cautious.
