Tergiversate
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈtɜːd͡ʒɪvəseɪt/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Tergiversate is a verb meaning (intransitive) To evade, to equivocate using subterfuge; to obfuscate in a deliberate manner.
Meaning
(intransitive) To evade, to equivocate using subterfuge; to obfuscate in a deliberate manner.
More Meanings
- (intransitive) To change sides or affiliation; to apostatize.
- (intransitive, rare) To flee by turning one's back.
Example Sentences
Henry had hesitated before authorising the spoliation; he would soon tergiversate on other matters of doctrine but this act was irreversible.
The officials soon concluded that the easiest way to remain on good terms with the court was to elude responsibility, to tergiversate, to prevent results.
Word Forms
- tergiversates
- tergiversating
- tergiversated
Synonyms for tergiversate
Depending on context, synonyms include prevaricate, desert, palter, equivocate, apostatize, apostatise.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include equivocate, palter, prevaricate, apostatise, apostatize, make.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.