Well-read · Talking & language
Prevaricate: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Prevaricate verb. To avoid giving a direct answer, or to dodge the truth.
How to say it
prih-VARR-ih-kayt/prɪˈvarɪkeɪt/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (VARR). Forms: prevaricated, prevaricating.
Prevaricate in a sentence
When asked where the money went, the treasurer prevaricated and changed the subject.
Stop prevaricating and pick a restaurant.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- equivocate
- hedge
- dodge
- stall
Where prevaricate comes from
From Latin praevaricari, to walk crookedly, from varus, bow-legged.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Stop _____ and pick a restaurant.
- prevaricate
- obfuscate
- allude
Show the answer
prevaricate: Stop prevaricating and pick a restaurant.