Prevaricatory vs. Prevaricative — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 2, 2023
"Prevaricatory" and "Prevaricative" both relate to evasive lying or deception. They essentially have the same meaning, but their usage in sentences might differ slightly due to their grammatical structures.
Difference Between Prevaricatory and Prevaricative
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While "Prevaricatory" is a more common adjective form, "Prevaricative" serves as an alternative. In literature or detailed prose, either might be chosen based on the writer's preference or the phonetic flow of the sentence. The nuance of these terms remains rooted in deception, avoidance, or indirectness.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
In practical application, the choice between these two words may come down to stylistic preference or rhythm in writing. They both hint at dishonesty, artifice, or avoidance. If you read or hear either word, it's crucial to infer that the subject is being indirectly deceptive or misleading.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Conclusively, while "Prevaricatory" and "Prevaricative" are not everyday terms, they do convey a specific kind of dishonesty. Their distinction primarily lies in their phonetic structure, not in their core meaning, making them nearly synonymous.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
"Prevaricatory" and "Prevaricative" are adjectives derived from the verb "prevaricate," which means to evade or deviate from the truth. Both terms essentially describe the act or nature of speaking or acting in an evasive manner to avoid telling the truth or to mislead.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Related to evasive lying or deception.
Pertaining to the act of evading the truth.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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Origination
Derived from the verb "prevaricate."
Also derived from "prevaricate."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Connotation
Indicates deception, dishonesty, or evasion.
Similarly suggests evasion or dishonesty.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Grammatical Structure
Often used as a descriptor for actions or behaviors.
Can be used interchangeably with "Prevaricatory" in many contexts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Definitions
Prevaricatory
Characteristic of avoiding direct truth.
The politician's prevaricatory answers frustrated the journalists.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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Prevaricative
Pertaining to deceptive or evasive statements.
The lawyer found the witness's testimony to be prevaricative.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricatory
Pertaining to acts that deviate from straightforwardness.
Her prevaricatory manner made it hard to trust her.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricative
Describing actions or words that avoid clarity.
The agent's prevaricative dealings led to his downfall.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricatory
Related to evasive deception or misleading statements.
His prevaricatory response raised suspicions.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricative
Characteristic of veering away from the truth.
The prevaricative nature of the explanation was evident.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricatory
Indicative of dishonest or evasive behavior.
The prevaricatory tactics were clear to all who observed.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricative
Relating to misleading or indirect communication.
The author's prevaricative writing style intrigued many.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricatory
Aligned with indirect or circuitous deception.
The committee disliked the CEO's prevaricatory approach.
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Sep 26, 2023
Prevaricative
Aligned with behaviors that dodge direct answers.
The student's prevaricative response to the question was noted.
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Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Can they be used interchangeably?
In many contexts, yes, but "Prevaricatory" is more commonly recognized.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Do they both come from the verb "prevaricate"?
Yes, both are derived from "prevaricate."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Do both words have the same meaning?
Essentially, yes; both relate to evasive lying or deception.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Which term is more commonly used: Prevaricatory or Prevaricative?
"Prevaricatory" is more commonly used.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Is there a difference in their connotations?
No, both terms suggest deception or evasion.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
