unequivocaladj.
/ˌʌnᵻˈkwɪvəkl/, U.S. /ˌənəˈkwɪvək(ə)l/ (un- prefix1 1) In common use from about 1795.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > [adjective] > in meaning
sure1493
univocal?1541
univoque?1541
inequivocal1779
unequivocal1785
rousing1836
resounding1873
unequivocable1921
graphic1937
full-frontal1971
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 653 In the deed, The unequivocal authentic deed, We find sound argument.
1791 ‘T. Newte’ Prospects & Observ. Tour 236 In the Highlands..men of years..are struck with the most unequivocal proofs of depopulation.
1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece V. xlii. 213 He..aided him in several acts of unequivocal hostility against his country.
1858 E. H. Sears Athanasia iii. v. 294 This..is here asserted by the Apostle in most unequivocal language.
1871 J. Earle Philol. Eng. Tongue vii. 340 An adjectival form which should be unequivocal.
Derivatives
uneˈquivocalness n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > [noun] > of meaning
unequivocalness1846
univocality1934
1846 J. E. Worcester Universal Dict. Eng. Lang. (citing Godwin).
1873 G. H. Lewes Probl. Life & Mind 1st Ser. I. 58 The chief distinction between his [sc. the geometer's] probabilities and those of the physicist or biologist, lies in the greater simplicity or unequivocalness of his terms.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.1785