The act of evading any clear course of action or speech, of being deliberately ambiguous; equivocation; fickleness.
tergiversation
Definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for tergiversation.
Editorial note
Weasel words can be a form of tergiversation and may be used in advertising, (popular) science, opinion pieces and political statements to mislead or disguise a biased view or unsubstantiated claim.
Quick take
The act of evading any clear course of action or speech, of being deliberately ambiguous; equivocation; fickleness.
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of tergiversation gathered in one view.
The act of abandoning something or someone, of changing sides; desertion; betrayal.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for tergiversation.
noun
The act of evading any clear course of action or speech, of being deliberately ambiguous; equivocation; fickleness.
See also: apostasy, equivocation
noun
The act of abandoning something or someone, of changing sides; desertion; betrayal.
See also: apostasy, equivocation
Example sentences
Weasel words can be a form of tergiversation and may be used in advertising, (popular) science, opinion pieces and political statements to mislead or disguise a biased view or unsubstantiated claim.
I originally used apostasy, but it didn't feel quite right, because I wasn't really renouncing, more failing to fully endorse, so tergiversation it was.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use tergiversation in a sentence?
Weasel words can be a form of tergiversation and may be used in advertising, (popular) science, opinion pieces and political statements to mislead or disguise a biased view or unsubstantiated claim.
What does tergiversation mean?
The act of evading any clear course of action or speech, of being deliberately ambiguous; equivocation; fickleness.
What part of speech is tergiversation?
tergiversation is commonly used as noun.