What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tergiversate
Example
The politician tried to tergiversate when asked about his stance on the controversial issue. [tergiversate: verb]
Example
Her tergiversation only made it clear that she was not willing to take a stand on the matter. [tergiversation: noun]
prevaricate
Example
He prevaricated when asked if he had any involvement in the scandal. [prevaricate: verb]
Example
Her prevarication only made it more difficult to trust her. [prevarication: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevaricate is more commonly used than tergiversate in everyday language. Prevaricate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tergiversate is less common and typically used in more formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tergiversate and prevaricate?
Both tergiversate and prevaricate are formal words, but tergiversate is more formal and academic in nature, while prevaricate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
