World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries支吾其词
Pronunciation / Transliteration: zhī wu qí cí
"面对质问，他一直在支吾其词，不肯正面回答。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To make conflicting statements or use ambiguous language so as to avoid committing to a clear position.
"Rather than answering the direct question, the politician chose to tergiversate." - 2
To change one's loyalties or desert a cause; to apostatize.
"He was accused of being ready to tergiversate whenever a more profitable alliance presented itself."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Latin verb tergiversari, formed by combining tergum (meaning 'back') and versare (meaning 'to turn'). Entering English in the early 17th century, it originally meant to turn one's back or desert a cause, later evolving to describe the act of evading clear commitments through ambiguity.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Tergiversate"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Tergiversate" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
tergiverser
Transliteration: /tɛʁ.ʒi.vɛʁ.se/
"Il est inutile de tergiverser face à ce problème."
sich herausreden
Transliteration: /zɪç hɛˈʁaʊ̯sˌʁeːdn̩/
"Hören Sie auf, sich herauszureden, und geben Sie eine klare Antwort."
tergiversare
Transliteration: /tɛr.dʒi.verˈsaː.re/
"Il comitato continua a tergiversare senza prendere decisioni."
tergiversar
Transliteration: /teɾ.xi.βeɾˈsaɾ/
"Trató de tergiversar los hechos para ocultar su error."
tergiversar
Transliteration: /tɛʁ.ʒi.veʁˈsaɾ/
"Ele começou a tergiversar quando questionado sobre os gastos."
टालमटोल करना
Transliteration: taalmatol karna
"सीधा जवाब देने के बजाय वह टालमटोल करने लगा।"
支吾其词
Transliteration: zhī wu qí cí
"面对质问，他一直在支吾其词，不肯正面回答。"
얼버무리다
Transliteration: eolbeomurida
"그는 명확한 답변을 피하고 계속 얼버무렸다."
言葉を濁す
Transliteration: kotoba o nigosu
"彼は質問に対して言葉を濁し、確言を避けた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Chinese termsA secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Placing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Tergiversate"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.