Definition of equivocal

The word "equivocal" originates from the Latin phrase "aequivalens," which means "of equal value" or "ambiguous." It is derived from the words "aequus," meaning "equal," and "valere," meaning "to be of value." In Latin, the phrase was used to describe a term or expression that had multiple meanings or senses, making it difficult to interpret clearly. The word "equivocal" was later adopted into Middle English from Old French, where it was spelled "equivocal." Initially, it referred to something that was ambiguous or unclear in meaning, but over time it came to specifically describe a statement or behavior that has a double meaning or conveys a sense of insincerity or ambiguity. Today, the word is used to describe situations where the meaning is unclear or open to multiple interpretations, often with a sense of suspicion or doubt.