allowing the possibility of several different meanings, as a word or phrase, especially with intent to deceive or misguide; susceptible of double interpretation; deliberately ambiguous: an equivocal answer.

What is a sentence for equivocal?

The cause of an injury or an episode that cannot be explained scientifically remain equivocal . His objections were so cautious as to seem equivocal ; and so much the more destructive was the attack of the Committee’s representatives. The answer was a rather equivocal ” No ” .

What does dichotomy mean?

Full Definition of dichotomy 1 : a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities the dichotomy between theory and practice also : the process or practice of making such a division dichotomy of the population into two opposed classes.

What are examples of weasel words?

• Helps, supports, is useful (friendly, but no real value added)
• Better, improved, gains (does not say how much)
• Acts, works, effective, efficient (action, but no quantitative value)
• Seems, appears, looks, is like (gives impression, not real change)

Does equivocal mean equal?

Equivocal is from the Latin aequus, “equal, the same,” + vocare, “to call, to speak,” and describes when something is too close to call.

Can a person be equivocal?

Equivocal also can imply that a person has used ambiguous language in a qualifying way to avoid personal commitment to the statement made. …

How do you use irresolute in a sentence?

Irresolute sentence example On his thin, weak legs were heavy chains which hampered his irresolute movements. They are generally slow of speech and manner, and somewhat irresolute , but take an eager interest in current politics, and are generally fairly educated men of extreme democratic principles.

How do you identify a weasel word?

“Weasel words” are a colloquial term for words or phrases used to avoid being forthright. Weasel words are used when the speaker wants to make it seem like they‘ve given a clear answer to a question or made a direct statement, when actually they’ve said something inconclusive or vague.

When you call someone a weasel?

A weasel is a sneaky and sly person. Your weasel of a friend has a habit of “forgetting” his wallet every time he goes out to dinner with you. You can call someone who cheats and lies a weasel, or you can use the word literally, to refer to the small furry mammal called a weasel.

Is many a weasel word?

A 2009 study of Wikipedia found that most weasel words in it could be divided into three main categories: Numerically vague expressions (for example, “some people”, “experts”, “many”, “evidence suggests”) Use of the passive voice to avoid specifying an authority (for example, “it is said”)

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What are examples of dichotomies?

Dichotomy is defined as a sharp division of things or ideas into two contradictory parts. An example of dichotomy is grouping mammals by those that live on land and those that live in water. A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.

What part of speech is dichotomy?

A cutting in two; a division. Division or distribution of genera into two species; division into two subordinate parts. The phase of the moon in which it appears bisected, or shows only half its disk, as at the quadratures.

What are dichotomies with differences?

a difference between two completely opposite ideas or things: There is often a dichotomy between what politicians say and what they do.

What are some examples of euphemism?

• passed away instead of died.
• passed over to the other side instead of died.
• late instead of deceased.
• dearly departed instead of deceased.
• resting in peace for deceased.
• no longer with us instead of deceased.
• departed instead of died.
• passed instead of died.

What is overly abstract language?

Definition of overabstract : excessively abstract especially : unnecessarily difficult to understand gave an overabstract explanation of the problem …

How do you remember equivocal?

MNEMONIC: EQUIVOCAL = EQUAL + VOICES.

What does the word irresolvable mean?

Definition of irresolvable : incapable of being resolved an irresolvable conflict also : not analyzable.

What do you mean by maimed?

Choose the Right Synonym for maim Verb. maim, cripple, mutilate, batter, mangle mean to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage. maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence. maimed by a shark cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg.

How do you use sultry in a sentence?

1. The weather had turned sultry but there was a cool breeze out on the patio by the barbecue. …
2. His sultry expression quickened her pulse. …
3. Looking up, she met his sultry gaze.

What is the opposite of equivocal?

equivocal. Antonyms: univocal, plain, direct, clear. Synonyms: dubious, ambiguous, doubtful, double-sided.

What is the difference between equivocal and unequivocal?

Equivocal is from a Latin word meaning of equal voice, so unequivocal means of unequal voice — unmistakable, unambiguous, without question. … If you explain something in unequivocal terms, then your words should be clear to everyone.

What is relative language?

A relative term is a term that makes two or more distinct references to objects (which may be the same object, for example in “The Morning Star is the Evening Star”). A relative term is typically expressed in ordinary language by means of a phrase with explicit or implicit blanks.

What does uncouth woman mean?

adjective. If you describe a person as uncouth, you mean that their behavior is vulgar, noisy, and unpleasant.

Where are weasels found?

Habitat. Weasels are adaptable and live all over the world. For example, the long-tailed weasel lives in North America, while the tropical weasel lives in South America. Japanese weasels are found in habitats grasslands, forests, villages and suburbs across Japan.

Why are weasels sneaky?

Part of weasels’ bad reputation stems from their historic feud with chicken farmers. Weasels slender, flexible bodies allow them to slip into chicken coops through unprotected holes in the wall. … This behavior led many farmers to view weasels as sneaky, devious creatures.

Is being called a weasel bad?

In general, if you call someone a weasel they would probably not be happy – but it is not really an offensive word in itself. You are just saying they are dishonest.

What are weasel words in advertising?

Weasel words, or phrases, are used in marketing/advertising in order to avoid making a direct statement or promise. I.e. they are used as a way to say something that legally, or truthfully, cannot be said.

How do you stop weasel words?

1. Numerically vague expressions (for example, “some people”, “experts”, “many”, “evidence suggests”)
2. Use of the passive voice to avoid specifying an authority (for example, “it is said”)
3. Adverbs that weaken (for example, “often”, “probably”)

What is loaded language used for?

Loaded language (also known as loaded terms, emotive language, high-inference language and language-persuasive techniques) may be rhetoric used to influence an audience by using words and phrases with strong connotations, this type of language is called unclear, meaning vague, in order to invoke an emotional response …

What are empty phrases?

Empty phrases are group of words that don’t actually mean anything. They are verbal filler that distract from and undermine the substance of your writing.

What are the 4 dichotomies?

Personality preference is measured along four dichotomies: Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. Combinations of these scales produce a four-letter acronym that reflects the dominant score on each factor.