i Register
In some senses, tergiversate is marked as rare. Watch for register when choosing this word.
tergiversate
/ˈtɜːd͡ʒɪvəseɪt/
verb 3
Collocations
3ADJ.
other, soon
VERB + TERGIVERSATE
elude
PREP.
on
Definitions
verb
1
To evade, to equivocate using subterfuge; to obfuscate in a deliberate manner.
The officials soon concluded that the easiest way to remain on good terms with the court was to elude responsibility, to tergiversate, to prevent results.
2
To change sides or affiliation; to apostatize.
Henry had hesitated before authorising the spoliation; he would soon tergiversate on other matters of doctrine but this act was irreversible.
3
To flee by turning one's back.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb — abandon one's beliefs or allegiances
- apostatize
- apostatise
verb — be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
201
The officials soon concluded that the easiest way to remain on good terms with the court was to elude responsibility, to tergiversate, to prevent results.
Wiktionary02
Henry had hesitated before authorising the spoliation; he would soon tergiversate on other matters of doctrine but this act was irreversible.
WiktionaryUsage Notes
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