Which word means to speak in a way intended to mislead by using ambiguous language?

Which word means to speak in a way intended to mislead by using ambiguous language?

• A. Equivate
• B. Equivocate
• C. Hedge
• D. Palter

Answer: (B)

Equivocation is the idea of using language that has more than one possible meaning on purpose, to mislead or avoid giving a straight answer. When someone equivocates, they choose vague or double-meaning phrasing so the truth isn’t clear or isn’t committed to. That exact sense—speaking in a way that disguises the truth through ambiguity—fits the prompt best. Hedging is close but usually refers to softening statements to avoid directness, not necessarily to mislead with ambiguity. Palter can mean deceitful or evasive talk, but it’s less about deliberate ambiguity and more about deceit in general. And one option isn’t even a real word. The precise concept of using ambiguous language to mislead is captured by equivocate.

Equivocation is the idea of using language that has more than one possible meaning on purpose, to mislead or avoid giving a straight answer. When someone equivocates, they choose vague or double-meaning phrasing so the truth isn’t clear or isn’t committed to. That exact sense—speaking in a way that disguises the truth through ambiguity—fits the prompt best.

Hedging is close but usually refers to softening statements to avoid directness, not necessarily to mislead with ambiguity. Palter can mean deceitful or evasive talk, but it’s less about deliberate ambiguity and more about deceit in general. And one option isn’t even a real word. The precise concept of using ambiguous language to mislead is captured by equivocate.