Definitions
- Describing the act of avoiding a direct answer or changing one's stance on an issue. - Referring to the act of evading or dodging a question or topic. - Talking about the act of being ambiguous or unclear in one's response.
- Referring to the act of being intentionally vague or ambiguous in one's response. - Describing the act of using language that is deliberately confusing or misleading. - Talking about the act of avoiding giving a clear answer or taking a definite position.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the act of avoiding a direct answer.
- 2Both words describe the use of ambiguous language.
- 3Both words suggest a lack of clarity or transparency in communication.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Tergiversate is less common than equivocate in everyday language.
- 2Connotation: Tergiversate has a negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or evasion, while equivocate can be used neutrally or positively in certain contexts.
- 3Intensity: Tergiversate implies a more deliberate and intentional act of evasion or deception than equivocate.
- 4Formality: Equivocate is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while tergiversate is more formal and less commonly used.
Remember this!
Tergiversate and equivocate are synonyms that both refer to the act of avoiding a direct answer or being ambiguous in communication. However, tergiversate implies a more deliberate and intentional act of evasion or deception, while equivocate can be used neutrally or positively in certain contexts. Additionally, equivocate is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while tergiversate is more formal and less commonly used.
