equivocalとは意味・読み方・使い方

語源

From Late Latin aequivocus +‎ -al, from aequus +‎ vocō.

発音

• (英国発音) IPA^(key): /əˈkwɪvəkəl/
  • (米国発音) IPA^(key): /ɪˈkwɪvək(ə)l/
  • hyphenation 英国発音: equivo‧cal

形容詞

equivocal (comparative more equivocal, superlative most equivocal)

1. Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.

   Synonyms: ambiguous, indeterminate

   Antonyms: unequivocal, univocal

   equivocal words

   an equivocal sentence

   • 1817, William Hazlitt, Characters of Shakespeare's Plays

     For the beauties of Shakespeare are not of so dim or equivocal a nature as to be visible only to learned eyes.

2. Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.

   His actions are equivocal.

   • 1649, J[ohn] Milton, ΕΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΆΣΤΗΣ [EIKONOKLASTES] […], London: […] Matthew Simmons, […], OCLC 1044608640:

     equivocal repentances

3. Uncertain, as an indication or sign.

   Synonyms: uncertain, doubtful, incongruous

   Antonym: certain

   • 1796, Edmund Burke, A Letter from the Right Honourable Edmund Burke to a Noble Lord, on the Attacks Made upon Him and His Pension, […], 10th edition, London: […] J. Owen, […], and F[rancis] and C[harles] Rivington, […], OCLC 559505243:

     How equivocal a test.

派生語

• equivocality
• equivocalness

関連する語

• equivocation
• equivoque

名詞

equivocal (複数形 equivocals)

1. (philosophy) A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.

   Synonyms: double entendre, equivoque

   • 2012, Deborah Achtenberg, Cognition of Value in Aristotle's Ethics:

     Some equivocals are merely ambiguous. Sharp is an example. It is equivocal since it is appropriate to call different types of things 'sharp' though what it is for them to be sharp differs.