Word · Frequency #19210
equivocal
模棱两可的；含糊其辞的
Having two or more possible meanings; ambiguous and often intentionally vague.
- 1.
Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.
具有两个或更多同样适用的含义；可作双重或多重解释的。
- 2.
open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
模棱两可的；含义不清的；或常指有意误导的
- 3.
Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.
可归因于不同动机,或表示相反情感、目的或品质的；值得怀疑的。
- 4.
open to question; ; -Anna Jameson
有疑问的；可疑的
- 5.
Uncertain, as an indication or sign.
不确定的,作为指标或迹象时。
- 6.
uncertain as a sign or indication
作为征兆或指示不明的
有疑问的；不确定的；（作为征兆/指示）不明确的；难以断定的；值得怀疑的；可作相反解读的；具有两个或更多同样适用的含义；可作双重或多重解释的。；模棱两可的；含义不清的；或常指有意误导的
In use
The politician's equivocal response left the reporters unsure of his true stance.
Her equivocal smile made it difficult to tell whether she was pleased or not.
The test results were equivocal, so the doctor ordered additional examinations.
an equivocal statement
the polling had a complex and equivocal (or ambiguous) message for potential female candidates
the officer's equivocal behavior increased the victim's uneasiness
popularity is an equivocal crown
an equivocal response to an embarrassing question
Connections
Collocations
- equivocal answer
- 模棱两可的回答
- When asked about his plans, he gave an equivocal answer.当被问及他的计划时，他给出了一个模棱两可的回答。
- equivocal evidence
- 含糊的证据；不确定的证据
- The equivocal evidence made it difficult for the jury to reach a verdict.含糊的证据使陪审团难以作出裁决。
- equivocal result
- 不明确的结果
- The blood test produced an equivocal result, so the doctor ordered another one.血液检查结果不明确，所以医生又安排了一次检查。
- equivocal reaction
- 模棱两可的反应
- Her equivocal reaction left us unsure whether she supported the proposal.她模棱两可的反应让我们不确定她是否支持这项提议。
- equivocal response
- 含糊其辞的答复
- The minister's equivocal response failed to reassure the public.部长含糊其辞的答复未能让公众安心。
Learner notes
Memory Tip
equi=相等，vocal=发声；一个词发出两个相等的声音，就是模棱两可。
Context & Register
语域：formal 常见场景：正式写作、学术讨论、法律或修辞分析 equivocal 比较正式，多用于书面语或正式场合，表示‘模棱两可的’或‘不确定的’。日常口语中更常说 ambiguous 或 unclear。
Pronunciation & Spelling
unequivocal rhymes exactly with equivocal (same stressed /kwɪvəkəl/). local and vocal are lookalikes ending in -ocal but rhyme with /oʊkəl/, not /əkəl/. equivalent starts like equivocal (/ɪˈkwɪvə/) but ends differently. reciprocal and oracle share only the final /kəl/.
Learn the forms together
页面下方列出了常见词形变化。学习时注意它们在句子中的语法位置。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.