Definition of: equivocal

(i·kwiv′ə·kəl) adjective
1. Having a doubtful meaning; susceptible of different interpretations.
2. Of uncertain significance, origin, character, or value; questionable. [<LL aequivocus ambiguous <aequus equal + vox voice]
—e·quiv′o·cal·ly adverb
—e·quiv′·o·cal·ness noun Synonyms: ambiguous, doubtful, dubious, enigmatic, enigmatical, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, obscure, perplexing, questionable, suspicious, uncertain. Ambiguous is applied only to spoken or written statements; equivocal has other applications. A statement is ambiguous when it causes the mind of the reader or hearer to fluctuate between two meanings, which would fit the language equally well; it is equivocal when it would naturally be understood in one way, but is capable of a different interpretation; an equivocal expression is, as a rule, intentionally deceptive, while an ambiguous utterance may result merely from a lack of clear thought or of adequate expression. That which is enigmatical must be guessed like a riddle. That is doubtful which is fairly open to doubt; that is dubious which has become the subject of doubts so grave as scarcely to fall short of condemnation; as a dubious reputation. Questionable may be used nearly in the sense either of dubious or of doubtful; a questionable statement is one that must be proved before it can be accepted. A suspicious character gives reason to be suspected; a suspicious temper is inclined to suspect the others, with or without reason. Compare CLEAR, PRECARIOUS. Antonyms: certain, clear, distinct, evident, indisputable, indubitable, lucid, manifest, obvious, perspicuous, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal, unquestionable, unquestioned.