prevaricate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prevaricate Word Meanings
- to avoid telling the truth
- to speak in an evasive way
- to mislead or lie deliberately
prevaricate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prevaricate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt/
US
/prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt/
prevaricate Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'pre-' (before) + 'varicare' (to straddle). Historical origin: Latin 'praevaricari' became 'prevaricate' in English. Memory image: Picture a politician skillfully walking a tightrope, balancing on both sides while dodging truth.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Prevaricate is a formal verb meaning to avoid telling the truth, to speak evasively, or to mislead on purpose. It implies a conscious choice to bend or hide the facts rather than state them plainly. In everyday speech, people might say someone is evading questions, hedging, or dancing around the issue, but prevaricate carries a stronger sense of intent to mislead. It is not interchangeable with simply 'lie' in all contexts; a prevaricator may avoid a direct answer without uttering a direct falsehood, or may mix truth with partial information to create a misleading impression. The word often appears in legal, political, or journalistic prose.
Usage Reminders
- - It signals intentional deception, not mere reluctance to answer
- - It is more formal than 'lie' in many contexts
- - Often appears in political or legal prose
- - Can accompany partial truths or evasive phrasing
- - Use with care to avoid overstatement
Common Misconceptions
- Not every evasive comment is prevarication; people hedge for politeness or to avoid conflict.
- Prevaricate is not the same as lying; it often involves partial truths or ambiguity.
- Avoid overusing the word; reserve it for deliberate, deceptive intent.
- Some contexts use 'prevaricate' to critique withholding information, not casual hesitation.
- Compare with 'evade', 'hedge', and 'confuse' to pick the right nuance.
Thinking Differences
English tends to treat prevaricate as a strong, formal accusation of deliberate deception; learners often confuse it with hedging or mere avoidance, especially in everyday conversations.
Learning Tips
- Know the nuance: intent to mislead vs. mere hesitation
- Distinguish from hedging and evading questions
- Notice formal vs. informal contexts
- Pair with a clear subject to sharpen precision
- Practice with political or legal texts
- Check tone: avoid sounding accusatory in casual writing
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'prevaricate' mean?
A.to speak in a straightforward manner
B.to evade the truth or mislead
C.to act with honesty
D.to agree wholeheartedly
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'prevaricate' used correctly?
A.The teacher prevaricate the lesson plan to ensure the students understood.
B.After much thought, he chose to prevaricate his way through the debate competition.
C.He decided to prevaricate about his feelings to avoid hurting her.
D.She did not prevaricate when asked about her homework.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'prevaricate'?
A.explain
B.dodge
C.confirm
D.celebrate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'prevaricate'?
A.deceive
B.evade
C.expose
D.conceal
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might prevaricate?
A.He told the truth about breaking the vase.
B.She openly discussed her plans for the weekend.
C.The politician avoided answering direct questions during the interview.
D.The student was straightforward about their grades.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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