English Dictionary

Definition of “tergiversate

tergiversate (ˈtɜːdʒɪvəˌseɪtPronunciation for tergiversate

Definitions

verb (intr)

  1. to change sides or loyalties; apostatize
  2. to be evasive or ambiguous; equivocate

Alternative Forms

ˌtergiverˈsation noun ˈtergiverˌsator tergiversant (ˈtɜːdʒɪˌvɜːsəntntPronunciation for tergiversant noun ˌtergiˈversatory adjective

Word Origin

C17: from Latin tergiversārī  to turn one's back, from tergum  back + vertere to turn

Usage examples

No examples available.

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