unequivocal
Meaning: Leaving no doubt; unambiguous and clear. An unequivocal statement or response allows no room for misinterpretation.
Unequivocal is the strongest way to describe absolute clarity and certainty. It is built from 'equivocal' (ambiguous, open to interpretation) with the prefix 'un-.' Politicians are often asked to give 'unequivocal' answers, meaning responses without evasion or hedging. Scientists describe findings as 'unequivocal' when the evidence is overwhelming. The adverb 'unequivocally' is equally common: 'she unequivocally denied the allegation.' The word carries weight precisely because it leaves zero room for doubt.
Examples
- The scientific evidence that human activity is driving climate change is now unequivocal. 人类活动正在推动气候变化这一科学证据如今已是毋庸置疑的。Las pruebas científicas de que la actividad humana está impulsando el cambio climático son ya inequívocas.人間の活動が気候変動を引き起こしているという科学的証拠は、今や疑いの余地がありません。인간 활동이 기후 변화를 유발하고 있다는 과학적 증거는 이제 명백하다.
- The prime minister gave an unequivocal commitment to increasing funding for the National Health Service. 首相明确承诺增加国民医疗服务体系的拨款。El primer ministro se comprometió de forma inequívoca a aumentar la financiación del Servicio Nacional de Salud.首相は国民保健サービスへの資金増額を明確に約束しました。총리는 국민보건서비스에 대한 재정 지원 확대를 명확히 약속했다.
- She stated unequivocally that she would not seek re-election under any circumstances. 她明确表示,在任何情况下都不会寻求连任。Declaró inequívocamente que no se presentaría a la reelección bajo ninguna circunstancia.彼女はいかなる状況においても再選を目指さないと明確に表明しました。그녀는 어떠한 상황에서도 재선에 출마하지 않겠다고 명확히 밝혔다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From un- (not) and 'equivocal,' from Late Latin aequivocus (of equal voice, ambiguous), from Latin aequus (equal) and vocare (to call). The negative form emerged in the mid-18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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