Which fallacy is defined as using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or shifting the meaning of a key term during an argument?

• A. Fallacy of Equivocation
• B. Slippery slope
• C. Ad hominem
• D. Straw man

Answer: (A)

Equivocation happens when a key term is used in more than one sense within the same argument, so the conclusion rides on an ambiguous or shifting meaning. This lets the speaker conceal the truth or mislead by making the term appear consistent, even though its meaning changes across the argument. For example, calling a policy “fair” in one sense as “just” and then using “fair” to mean “acceptable for everyone” shifts the word’s meaning and obscures the real point being debated.

The other fallacies listed aren’t about language slipping between meanings. Slippery slope deals with a chain of events; ad hominem attacks the person instead of the argument; and straw man involves misrepresenting someone’s position.