tergiversate Definition
to change repeatedly one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.
Using tergiversate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tergiversate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was accused of tergiversating on the issue of tax reform.
Example
The politician's tendency to tergiversate made it difficult to know where he stood on important issues.
Example
She was known to tergiversate when asked about her stance on environmental policy.
tergiversate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tergiversate
to abandon or forsake (a cause, party, etc.)
Example
He tergiversated from his original position on the issue.
to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear about (a matter)
Example
The politician continued to tergiversate on the question of immigration reform.
to use evasive or ambiguous language in order to deceive or mislead (someone)
Example
She tergiversated with reporters when asked about her involvement in the scandal.
Origins of tergiversate
from Latin 'tergiversat-', meaning 'to show reluctance, hesitate' and 'to turn one's back'
Summary: tergiversate in Brief
'Tergiversate' [tur-ji-ver-seyt] means to repeatedly change one's attitude or opinions regarding a cause or subject, often by equivocating. It is synonymous with 'equivocate,' 'vacillate,' and 'waver.' The verb is often used in political contexts, as in 'The politician's tendency to tergiversate made it difficult to know where he stood on important issues.'
