prevaricator
|pre-var-i-ca-tor|
C1
🇺🇸
/prɪˈværɪˌkeɪtər/
🇬🇧
/prɪˈværɪˌkeɪtə/
evasive speaker
Etymology
Etymology Information
'prevaricator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praevaricator,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'varicare' meant 'to straddle or walk crookedly.'
Historical Evolution
'praevaricator' changed from the Latin word 'praevaricator' and eventually became the modern English word 'prevaricator'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'one who straddles or walks crookedly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'one who evades the truth.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who speaks or acts in an evasive way.
The politician was known as a prevaricator, often dodging direct questions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42