prevaricate
Say it: prih-VARR-ih-kayt /prɪˈvarɪkeɪt/ · verb
What “prevaricate” means
Avoid giving a straight answer.
More precisely: To speak or act evasively to avoid giving a direct answer.
Example: “Stop prevaricating — did you or didn't you book the restaurant?”
When to use it
When someone dodges a direct question with evasive talk or behaviour. A formal word that usually expresses impatience or criticism.
Similar words
equivocate, dodge, stall
Where it comes from
From Latin praevaricari, 'to walk crookedly, deviate'.
Quick check
Asked whether he broke the vase, your brother talks about the weather, then changes the subject again. What does he do?
confess or prevaricate?
Show the answer
prevaricate
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “prevaricate”