noun evasion of straightforward action or clear-cut statement; equivocation
In politics, tergiversation refers to the act of changing one's beliefs or loyalties for personal gain or convenience.
Historically, tergiversation has been observed in various political and social movements, often leading to distrust and conflict.
In legal contexts, tergiversation may be used to describe a party's attempt to deceive or mislead the court.
Within ethics, tergiversation is often seen as a moral failing, representing a lack of integrity or honesty.
In debates, tergiversation can be seen as a tactic used to avoid addressing the main issue or to confuse opponents.
Writers may use the term 'tergiversation' to describe characters who are evasive or deceitful in their actions or words.
Psychologists may use 'tergiversation' to refer to a pattern of avoiding direct answers or shifting blame during therapy sessions.
Politicians may accuse their opponents of tergiversation when they believe they are being evasive or inconsistent in their political positions.
Lawyers may use 'tergiversation' to describe a witness who is being intentionally vague or misleading in their testimony.