pre·var·i·cate (pr -v r -k t )intr.v. pre·var·i·cat·ed, pre·var·i·cat·ing, pre·var·i·cates To stray from or evade the truth; equivocate. See Synonyms at lie2. [Latin praev ricr , praevrict- : prae-, pre- + vricre, to straddle (from vricus, straddling, from vrus, bent).]pre·var i·cation n.pre·var i·cator n. |
prevaricate [prɪˈværɪˌkeɪt]
vb
(intr) to speak or act falsely or evasively with intent to deceive
[from Latin praevāricārī to walk crookedly, from prae beyond + vāricare to straddle the legs; compare Latin vārus bent]
prevarication n
prevaricator n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Verb | 1. | prevaricate - be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information |
prevaricate
verb evade, lie, shift, hedge, shuffle, dodge, deceive, flannel (Brit. informal), quibble, beg the question, beat about the bush, cavil, equivocate, stretch the truth, palter, give a false colour to British ministers continued to prevaricate on the issue.
be direct, be frank, be straightforward, be blunt, come straight to the point, not beat about the bush
be direct, be frank, be straightforward, be blunt, come straight to the point, not beat about the bush
Translations
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