/ɛkwɪvoʊk/; French: [ekivɔk]

Definitions

1. noun

A statement or expression whose meaning is ambiguous or unclear, especially one that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

“The politician’s statement about the economy was an equivoque that left many people confused.”

2. noun

A word or phrase that has a double meaning, often used to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

“The poet used an equivoque to express a complex idea, making it open to multiple interpretations.”

3. verb

To express something in a way that is ambiguous or unclear, often to avoid a direct answer.

“The lawyer equivoqued about the details of the case, leaving the judge with many questions.”