Equivocation Flaw
LSAT glossary · Logical Reasoning
Definition
A reasoning error where the arguer uses a key term in two different senses within the same argument, creating an illusion of logical connection. The LSAT tests this by embedding subtle shifts in meaning between premises and conclusion.
Equivocation Flaw in plain English
Equivocation is a sneaky word-swap: a key term is used in one meaning in one place and a different meaning in another, so the argument only LOOKS connected. Take 'A feather is light; what is light cannot be dark; so a feather cannot be dark' — 'light' means 'not heavy' the first time and 'not dark' the second, so the logic is fake. The word stays the same but its meaning quietly changes, gluing together two ideas that don't actually link. Your job is to catch that hidden shift in what a word means.
Learn these first
Sign up free: all 104 LSAT terms as flashcards, plus practice questions with full explanations →
Related LSAT terms
LSAT practice questions · LSAT flashcards · LSAT study guide