How do you pronounce equivocal?

The recorded pronunciation is /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/.

equivocal

/ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.37 in modern English

Syllables: equivo-cal
IPA: /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/

Scrabble Score

Letters

Syllables

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.

adj

Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.

adj

Uncertain, as an indication or sign.

noun

A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.

Example Sentences

"equivocal words"
"an equivocal sentence"
"For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes."
"His actions are equivocal."
"equivocal repentances"
"From that position he observed his confederate go through the curious procedure of kneeling down on the bedroom floor and for a full minute pressing his ear to the sheet of metal that had already engaged his attention. Then he rose to his feet, nodded, dusted his trousers, and Mr Carlyle moved to a less equivocal position."

Etymology

From Late Latin aequivocus + -al, from aequus + vocō. By surface analysis, equi- + vocal.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/
British English: /əˈkwɪvəkəl/

Inflected Forms

more equivocal (comparative) most equivocal (superlative) æquivocal (alternative, obsolete) equivocals (plural)

Derived Forms

equivocality equivocally equivocalness

Phrases

equivocal generation

Frequently Paired Words

equivocation equivoque

Synonyms

ambiguous indeterminate uncertain doubtful incongruous double entendre equivoque

Antonyms

unequivocal univocal certain

Rhymes With

unequivocal