PREVARICATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Prevarication refers to the act of deliberately avoiding or evading the truth, often by making intentionally misleading or ambiguous statements. It is a form of deception or dishonesty where someone speaks with the intention of concealing or distorting the truth, usually to protect themselves or to manipulate others.
In the realm of communication, prevarication involves using vague language or half-truths to create deliberate confusion or misrepresentation. It can manifest in various forms, such as equivocating, dodging direct questions, or offering evasive responses. The aim of prevarication is typically to avoid accountability, responsibility, or negative consequences, or to manipulate a situation to one's advantage.
Prevarication is often associated with deception or lying, as it involves obscuring or misrepresenting the truth. While prevarication should not be confused with an honest mistake or a lack of knowledge, it is a deliberate act of obfuscation. Individuals may prevaricate for a variety of reasons, including to maintain a false narrative, hide wrongdoing, protect their reputation, or gain an advantage in a particular situation.
Overall, prevarication can erode trust, create confusion, and undermine effective communication, as it hinders the clarity and transparency that are essential for honest and open dialogue.
-
A shuffling or quibbling to evade the disclosure of the truth; a cavil; in law, a collusive fraud in which the informer or prosecutor and the defendant make a sham prosecution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PREVARICATION
Etymology of PREVARICATION
The word "prevarication" comes from the Latin word "praevaricari", which means "to straddle" or "to walk crookedly". It is derived from the combination of "prae" (meaning "before" or "ahead") and "varicare" (meaning "to straddle" or "to be bow-legged"). In English, "prevarication" has taken on the meaning of intentionally avoiding or deviating from the truth or the full story.
Similar spelling words for PREVARICATION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
