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
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Related to evasive lying or deception.
Pertaining to the act of evading the truth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage
More common adjective form.
Less common variant.
Origination
Derived from the verb "prevaricate."
Also derived from "prevaricate."
Connotation
Indicates deception, dishonesty, or evasion.
Similarly suggests evasion or dishonesty.
Grammatical Structure
Often used as a descriptor for actions or behaviors.
Can be used interchangeably with "Prevaricatory" in many contexts.
Compare with Definitions
Prevaricatory
Characteristic of avoiding direct truth.
The politician's prevaricatory answers frustrated the journalists.
Prevaricative
Pertaining to deceptive or evasive statements.
The lawyer found the witness's testimony to be prevaricative.
Prevaricatory
Pertaining to acts that deviate from straightforwardness.
Her prevaricatory manner made it hard to trust her.
Prevaricative
Describing actions or words that avoid clarity.
The agent's prevaricative dealings led to his downfall.
Prevaricatory
Related to evasive deception or misleading statements.
His prevaricatory response raised suspicions.
Prevaricative
Characteristic of veering away from the truth.
The prevaricative nature of the explanation was evident.
Prevaricatory
Indicative of dishonest or evasive behavior.
The prevaricatory tactics were clear to all who observed.
Prevaricative
Relating to misleading or indirect communication.
The author's prevaricative writing style intrigued many.
Prevaricatory
Aligned with indirect or circuitous deception.
The committee disliked the CEO's prevaricatory approach.
Prevaricative
Aligned with behaviors that dodge direct answers.
The student's prevaricative response to the question was noted.
Prevaricatory
Tending to prevaricate.
Prevaricative
Syn of prevaricatory
Common Curiosities
Can they be used interchangeably?
In many contexts, yes, but "Prevaricatory" is more commonly recognized.
Do they both come from the verb "prevaricate"?
Yes, both are derived from "prevaricate."
Do both words have the same meaning?
Essentially, yes; both relate to evasive lying or deception.
Which term is more commonly used: Prevaricatory or Prevaricative?
"Prevaricatory" is more commonly used.
Is there a difference in their connotations?
No, both terms suggest deception or evasion.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lounge Suit vs. Dinner Suit
Next Comparison
CAST vs. CONVERTAuthor 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.
