Definition

A person who avoids giving a direct answer or who speaks in a way that is not honest or straightforward.

Example

The politician was known as a prevaricator, often dodging questions during interviews.

Conversation

Did you hear what he said about the project?

Yeah, he seems like a real prevaricator sometimes.

I know, right? It's hard to trust someone who can't be honest.

Exactly! It makes everything so much more complicated.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prevaricator → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "varicare" (from Latin, meaning to straddle or to waver). The word describes someone who straddles the truth, often leading to deceit or evasion.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'wavering' ('varicare') before making a statement ('pre-'), which helps you remember that a prevaricator is someone who avoids the truth.

Visually Confused Words