Prevaricate in French: How to Say It in French

Explanation of Forms

The English word "prevaricate" can be translated to French as "prevariquer." It is a verb that means to avoid giving a direct answer, to procrastinate, or to be evasive. The verb "prevariquer" is formed from the prefix "pre-" (before) and the root "variquer" (to waver). The verb is conjugated in the usual way for French verbs, with the appropriate subject pronoun and tense.

Examples of Usage

1. Je ne peux pas comprendre pourquoi il préfère prévariquer plutôt que de donner une réponse directe. (I cannot understand why he prefers to prevaricate rather than give a direct answer.) 2. Le président a été critiqué pour son habitude de prévariquer lors des conférences de presse. (The president has been criticized for his habit of prevaricating during press conferences.) 3. Quand quelqu'un prévarique, cela peut être frustrant pour les personnes qui l'interrogent. (When someone prevaricates, it can be frustrating for those who are questioning them.)

Notes on Usage

It is important to note that "prevariquer" is a relatively formal term and may not be commonly used in casual conversation. In more informal settings, people might use the word "fringer" (to hedge) as a synonym for "prevariquer."

Word Origin

The word "prevariquer" is derived from the Latin word "varicare," which means to waver or fluctuate. The Latin word is composed of the prefix "var-" (to turn) and the root "icare" (to waver). The French verb "variquer" is formed by adding the prefix "pre-" (before) to the Latin root.

Additional Variations

As mentioned earlier, the informal synonym "fringer" can be used instead of "prevariquer" in casual conversation. Additionally, the verb "hésiter" (to hesitate) can be used to describe someone who is unsure or indecisive, although it does not carry the same connotation of evasion as "prevariquer."