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单词 equivocal
释义 equiv·o·cal
I. \ə̇ˈkwivəkəl, ēˈ-\ adjective
Etymology: Late Latin aequivocus (from aequi- equi- + -vocus, from voc-, vox voice) + English -al — more at voice
1.
 a. : having two or more significations : capable of more than one interpretation : of doubtful meaning : ambiguous
  < an equivocal word >
  < an equivocal statement >
  — compare univocal
 b. : uncertain as an indication or sign : inconclusive
  < the evidence from bacteriologic analysis was equivocal >
2. obsolete : called by the same name but differing in nature or function : nominal
 < they being subject to the oversight of the ephori were but equivocal kings — James Ussher >
3.
 a. : of uncertain nature or classification : of a nature that does not admit of definite classification : indeterminate
  < the equivocal objects painted by surrealists >
 b.
  (1) : of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : undecided, inscrutable
   < the equivocal behavior of the officials increased the uneasiness of the riot victims >
   < something equivocal about him contrasting with the other's straightforward manner >
  (2) : characterized by a mixture of opposite feelings : ambivalent
   < an equivocal attitude toward the proposal >
 c. : open to question regarding advantage, validity, genuineness, or moral rectitude : questionable, dubious
  < popularity is an equivocal crown — A.L.Guérard >
  < his conscience reproached him with the equivocal character of the union into which he had forced his son — Anna Jameson >
Synonyms: see obscure
II. noun
(-s)
: something equivocal; especially : an equivocal word or term
 < regards the term being as an analogical equivocal >
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更新时间:2025/3/17 0:22:03