'equivocal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aequivocus,' where 'aequi-' meant 'equal' and 'voc-' meant 'voice or call.'

'aequivocus' transformed into the French word 'équivoque,' and eventually became the modern English word 'equivocal' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'having equal voices or calls,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ambiguous or uncertain.'