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Tergiversator - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tergiversator is someone who repeatedly changes their opinions, loyalties, or principles to avoid commitment or deceive others. It often implies evasion or dishonesty in avoiding a clear stance.

tergiversator

/ˈtɜːrdʒɪvərˌseɪtər/ /ˈtɜːdʒɪvəˌseɪtə/

Definition:

A person who repeatedly changes their opinions or loyalties, especially for personal gain.

Synonyms:

turncoat, renegade, defector, apostate

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

loyalist, steadfast, adherent

Common Collocations:

political tergiversator, notorious tergiversator, accused of being a tergiversator

Derivatives:

tergiversate, tergiversation

Usage Tips:

Use "tergiversator" to describe someone who shifts allegiances frequently and untrustworthily.

Common Phrases:

political tergiversator, master tergiversator, chronic tergiversator

Etymology:

From Latin *tergiversari* ("to turn one's back"), from *tergum* ("back") + *versare* ("to turn").

Examples:

  • 1. The politician was labeled a tergiversator after switching parties twice in a year.
  • 2. She grew tired of his reputation as a tergiversator and ended their partnership.
  • 3. The journalist exposed the CEO as a tergiversator who abandoned his principles for profit.
  • 4. History remembers him as a tergiversator who betrayed his allies during the crisis.

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