equivocator
- noun
- /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪtər/
- Formal
:
equivocador
- His reputation as an equivocator grew after he consistently provided vague responses to reporters.
Examples
-
The equivocator's dream, this decision offers the wandering male a complete justification for his lifestyle choice.
Academic text (1996) -
In a debate, the politician was labeled an equivocator because he never directly answered the tough questions.
-
During the interview, she noticed that her boss was an equivocator, always sidestepping her inquiries about the company's future.
Synonyms
1
8.6
A person who gives vague answers to avoid making a clear decision
1
9.9
A person who often avoids telling the truth and gives unclear answers
A person who avoids giving a clear yes-or-no answer
A person who avoids clear answers and talks about something else
Antonyms
How Evasive
- Literature
- Formal
1
9.9
- Formal
1
7.9
- Informal
13
3.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
equivocator = equivocate (semi-transparent) = equi + voc + ator
The suffix '-or' clearly indicates a person who performs the action of 'equivocate'.
Etymology
The word equivocator comes from Latin parts aequi- ('equal') and vocare ('to call'), the same roots behind English words like 'equal' and 'vocal'. So an equivocator is someone who speaks so things sound the same, using vague or double meanings to avoid giving a clear answer.