What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
multivocal
Example
The poem was multivocal, with each reader interpreting it differently. [multivocal: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech was multivocal, leaving room for different interpretations. [multivocal: adjective]
equivocal
Example
The CEO's response to the scandal was equivocal, leaving investors unsure of the company's future. [equivocal: adjective]
Example
The witness's testimony was equivocal, raising doubts about the defendant's guilt. [equivocal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Equivocal is more commonly used than multivocal in everyday language. Equivocal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while multivocal is less common and often used in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between multivocal and equivocal?
Both multivocal and equivocal are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, equivocal may be perceived as more formal due to its negative connotations of deception or dishonesty.