Which verb means to use ambiguous language to avoid committing to a position?

• A. Clarify
• B. Equivocate
• C. Exacerbate
• D. Explain

Answer: (B)

Equivocation is using language that is deliberately ambiguous to avoid taking a firm stance. When someone equivocates, they choose words that can be interpreted in more than one way or hedge their position, so they don’t have to say yes or no. This often lets them appeal to different audiences or keep options open without committing. For example, saying “We need to consider all sides and the potential trade-offs” avoids a direct yes or no about support for a policy. By comparison, clarify means to remove confusion and make a position clear; explain means to provide reasons or details; exacerbate means to make a problem worse. The described behavior fits the sense of equivocate.