How to pronounce equivocal
Say it like ih-KWIV-uh-kul. Equivocal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce equivocal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- KWIV
- uh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equivocal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KWIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of equivocal
American and British speakers say equivocal in essentially the same way: /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ in the US and /əˈkwɪvəkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-KWIV-uh-kul.
What does equivocal mean?
- Having two or more equally applicable meanings; capable of double or multiple interpretation.“equivocal words”
- Capable of being ascribed to different motives, or of signifying opposite feelings, purposes, or characters; deserving to be suspected.“His actions are equivocal.”
- Uncertain, as an indication or sign.
- A word or expression capable of different meanings; an ambiguous term.
Where does equivocal come from?
From Late Latin aequivocus + -al, from aequus + vocō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying equivocal
How do you pronounce equivocal?
Say ih-KWIV-uh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/. In British English it is /əˈkwɪvəkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equivocal?
Equivocal has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWIV). Broken into parts: ih · KWIV · uh · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say equivocal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈkwɪvəkəl/ and the British form is /əˈkwɪvəkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.