equivocal

• æquivocal (rare)

From Late Latin aequivocus, from aequus +‎ vocō.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /əˈkwɪvəkəl/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/
• hyphenation UK: equivo‧cal

equivocal (plural equivocals)

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

• double entendre

equivocal (comparative more equivocal, superlative most equivocal)

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

   equivocal words; an equivocal sentence

   • (Can we date this quote?) Francis Jeffrey

     For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.

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

   His actions are equivocal.

   • (Can we date this quote?) John Milton

     equivocal repentances

3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign; doubtful, incongruous.
   • (Can we date this quote?) Edmund Burke

     How equivocal a test.

• ambiguous, doubtful, uncertain, indeterminate

• unequivocal
• univocal

• equivocality
• equivocalness

• equivocation
• equivoque

• equivocal in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• equivocal in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.