prevaricating
|pre-var-i-cat-ing|
/prɪˈværɪkeɪt/
(prevaricate)
deceptive evasion
Etymology
'prevaricate' originates from Late Latin, specifically the verb 'praevaricari', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and the root related to 'acting improperly' or 'straying from duty'.
'prevaricate' passed into English via Medieval/Latin usage (late Middle English, early 15th century) from Latin 'praevaricari' (past participle 'praevaricatus'), eventually becoming the modern English 'prevaricate'.
Initially, Latin 'praevaricari' meant 'to act contrary to duty or law'; over time it evolved to the modern English sense of 'to avoid giving a direct answer or to speak evasively'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'prevaricate': deliberately avoid giving a direct answer or telling the truth; speak or act evasively.
When questioned about the budget cuts, he was prevaricating instead of providing clear figures.
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Verb 2
acting in a misleading or evasive way (often to gain time, avoid responsibility, or mislead).
The witness kept prevaricating during the deposition, which frustrated the lawyers.
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Last updated: 2025/11/03 11:00