Oh my word Vocal, Equivocal, Unequivocal

Vocalists may sing well but they can give equivocal answers to their organizers in giving dates. The US has an equivocal position on supporting India’s request for Permanent Membership in the United Nations.

Equivocal and unequivocal have nothing to do with the word vocal. Vocal functions as an adjective and noun: as an adjective vocal refers to the voice, organs of voice such as vocal cords, vocal organs like tongue, lips and vocal cords; expressing one’s opinions or feelings without inhibition. Vocal as a noun refers to the sung part of jazz or pop music; and vocally is an adverb; and vocalist is a singer (not a drummer or cellist).

Equivocal is a negative word. As a n adjective it indicates to something having a double or doubtful meaning; if something is equivocal it means it is ambiguous, not clear. Another meaning of equivocal is related to the behaviour of people or circumstances that are questionable, suspicious.

When she asked him whether he would like to join her for dinner, he gave an equivocal answer (which is: ah ah…let me think about it.

The politicians are known to give equivocal answers to the demands or the needs of their electorate. The constituents asked the politicians whether there will be a manned level-crossing at the railway gate which is unmanned since it was built, the MP assured them that he will look into it. But the voters were not pleased with the equivocal answer because they had been listening to the same answer from all his predecessors.

Equivocate is a verb indicating to someone’s behaviour that is misleading the people; to hide the truth from someone. The judge demanded a clear answer from the defendant’s lawyer because the lawyer was equivocating with his arguments.

Between the two brothers one is known for equivocating and the other is admired for replying straight. Equivocation is a noun. Equivocation means using equivocal statements, or giving equivocal expressions.

The opposite of equivocal is unequivocal. Unequivocal is an adjective. Unequivocal means clear answers for something; having or giving only one answer or meaning, and that is clear; unmistakable.

Some political parties have unequivocal stance on the rights of gays and transgender while many maintain equivocal position.

When she saw the man arranged by her parents as the possible husband, she gave an unequivocal answer: yes, I like him, and shall marry him.

He replied unequivocally (I will), when he was asked by his parents whether he would look after them when they are old, and possibly immobile.

Kovuuri G Reddy