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unequivocally

C2
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌnɪkwˈɪvəkəli/

US

  • /ˌəniˈkwɪvəkəli/

Meanings

Adverb

  1. in a way that leaves no doubt or ambiguity

Beyond the definition

Imagine a detective solving a high-stakes case. When they unequivocally identify the culprit, it means there is no room for confusion: the evidence points to one person and one person only. To say something unequivocally is to express it in a way that leaves no doubt about what you mean. It is much stronger than saying "probably" or "maybe." You might unequivocally declare your love for pizza, or an expert might unequivocally confirm a scientific finding. The word comes from Latin roots linked to the idea of having one clear meaning. While an "equivocal" statement can be understood in more than one way, speaking unequivocally makes the message plain and certain.

Examples

  1. 1

    Clear refusal

    She said unequivocally that she would not sell the house.

  2. 2

    Evidence

    The report unequivocally links the illness to contaminated water.

  3. 3

    Public support

    Several senior members have unequivocally backed the proposal.

  4. 4

    Limited apology

    The minister stopped short of unequivocally apologizing for the delay.

    • Phrasestopped short of

      did not go as far as

More examples
  1. 5

    Decision making

    If the answer isn't unequivocally yes, we should keep looking.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • state unequivocally
  • condemn unequivocally
  • unequivocally clear

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • unequivocallyadverb