unequivocal
|un-e-quiv-o-cal|
/ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/
clear and unambiguous
Etymology
'unequivocal' originates from English, formed by the prefix 'un-' (Old English/Proto-Germanic, meaning 'not') plus 'equivocal', which ultimately comes from Latin 'aequivocus', where 'aequi-' meant 'equal' and 'vox' meant 'voice'.
'equivocal' changed from Latin 'aequivocus' (Late Latin/Medieval Latin) into Middle English as 'equivocal'; in Modern English the negative prefix 'un-' was added to produce 'unequivocal'.
Initially the Latin root suggested 'equal voice' (leading to ambiguity or double meaning); over time, with the addition of 'un-', the modern word came to mean 'not ambiguous' or 'clear; leaving no doubt'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous.
The evidence is unequivocal.
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Adjective 2
expressed in a way that leaves no doubt about the speaker's intention or position; decisive.
She gave an unequivocal refusal.
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Last updated: 2025/12/10 14:22