How to pronounce equivocate
Say it like ih-KWIV-uh-kayt. Equivocate 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 equivocate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ih
- KWIV
- uh
- kayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Equivocate 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.
- kaytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of equivocate
American and British speakers say equivocate in essentially the same way: /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/ in the US and /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-KWIV-uh-kayt.
What does equivocate mean?
- To speak using double meaning; to speak ambiguously, unclearly or doubtfully, with intent to deceive; to vacillate in one's answers, responding with equivoques.
- To render equivocal or ambiguous.
Where does equivocate come from?
From Late Middle English equivocaten, from Medieval Latin aequivocātus, perfect passive participle of aequivocō (“to be called by the same name”), from Late Latin aequivocus (“ambiguous, equivocal”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying equivocate
How do you pronounce equivocate?
Say ih-KWIV-uh-kayt. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/. In British English it is /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in equivocate?
Equivocate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KWIV). Broken into parts: ih · KWIV · uh · kayt.
Do Americans and Brits say equivocate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/ and the British form is /ɪˈkwɪvəˌkeɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.