equivocating

Equivocating is the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid commitment. It involves deliberately choosing words that have more than one possible meaning, allowing the speaker or writer to later deny any specific interpretation. This can be done by using vague terms, generalizations, or by employing double meanings. The purpose of equivocating is often to mislead, to evade responsibility, or to appear non-committal on a sensitive issue.

In rhetoric and logic, equivocating is often considered a fallacy, specifically the fallacy of equivocation. This fallacy occurs when a word or phrase is used with two different meanings in the same argument, leading to a faulty conclusion. For example, if someone argues that "all men are mortal," and then later uses "men" to refer to "mankind" and "males," they might fall into this fallacy.

While often associated with dishonesty, equivocating can sometimes be used for strategic purposes, such as in diplomacy or negotiation, where maintaining ambiguity might be necessary to avoid outright conflict or to buy time. However, it is generally viewed negatively, as it undermines clear communication and trust. The effectiveness of equivocating relies on the audience's inability or unwillingness to recognize the multiple meanings present in the language used.