- Today's Word
Tergiversation
[ter-ji-ver-SAY-shun]
Definition
- (noun) The act of changing one’s position or opinion on a subject, often in an evasive or shifting manner. It can also mean equivocation, ambiguity in speech, or the use of unclear language to avoid committing to a particular stance.
Example
The politician’s constant tergiversation on key issues left voters unsure of his true beliefs and policy positions.
Fun Fact
The word “tergiversation” comes from the Latin “tergiversari,” which means “to turn one’s back.” It’s derived from “tergum” (back) and “versare” (to turn). This etymology reflects the idea of turning away from or avoiding a direct answer or commitment. The term has been in use in English since the 16th century, often in political and rhetorical contexts.
(verb) To criticize someone or something severely and publicly, often with harsh or scathing language.
The columnist excoriated the company’s leadership for ignoring repeated safety warnings.
Excoriate comes from the Latin excoriare, meaning “to strip off the skin,” from ex- (“off”) and corium (“hide” or “skin”). While the word originally described physical abrasion, its meaning shifted metaphorically over time to describe verbal attacks so harsh they feel skin-deep, leaving nothing protected.