Equivocation Definition with Examples in Sentences

The meaning of equivocation is deliberate evasiveness in wording or use of ambiguous or equivocal language and it is commonly known as double speak.

It is the use of vague language to hide one’s meaning or to avoid committing to a point of view. It’s often used by dishonest politicians who want to seem like they agree with everyone. It can also be used in legal contexts, for example where a defendant wants to avoid admitting guilt, but also does not want to lie openly – so they use equivocation to escape the true answer.

Examples of Equivocation Sentences:

  1. I have the right to watch “The Real World.”  Therefore it’s right for me to watch the show.  So, I think I’ll watch this “Real World” marathon tonight instead of studying for my exam.
  2. The laws imply lawgivers. There are laws in nature. Therefore there must be a cosmic lawgiver.
  3. God: “One million years to me is a second.”  Man: “What about one million dollars, my Lord?” God: “A penny.” Man: “May my Lord give me a penny?” God: “No problem, just a second.”
  4. Noisy children are a real headache. Two aspirin will make a headache go away. Therefore, two aspirin will make noisy children go away.
  5. A warm beer is better than a cold beer. After all, nothing is better than a cold beer, and a warm beer is better than nothing.
  6. Sure philosophy helps you argue better, but do we really need to encourage people to argue? There’s enough hostility in this world.
  7. I don’t see how you can say you’re an ethical person. It’s so hard to get you to do anything; your work ethic is so bad.
    1. Sarah was put in classes for the exceptional student. But i discovered that despite her age she could hardly read. Surely she was put in these classes by error.