Tergiversated is spelled with a hard "g" sound in the middle, which may be confusing for some English learners. The IPA phonetic transcription is /tɜːˈdʒɪvəˌreɪtɪd/, which helps illustrate the pronunciation. The first syllable is pronounced "ter-", with a long "e" sound. The second syllable has a hard "g" sound, pronounced "jiv". The third syllable is "-er-", with an "e" sound. The fourth syllable is "-a-ted", pronounced "ay-ted". Tergiversated means to change one's beliefs or opinions on a particular subject, often repeatedly.
Tergiversated is the past tense form of the verb "tergiversate." The term tergiversate refers to the act of changing one's opinions, beliefs, or principles on a certain matter, often in a deliberate and deceptive manner. It involves the act of dishonestly altering one's stance or position on an issue, often for personal gain or to escape responsibility or criticism.
When someone tergiversates, they may attempt to deceive others by presenting contradictory statements or shifting their viewpoint without a genuine or valid reason. This process of changing or retracting one's position is typically carried out with the intention to mislead or obscure the truth.
The act of tergiversating may often be associated with politicians, bureaucrats, or individuals in influential positions who are seen as lacking integrity or sincerity. It is regarded as an unethical practice because it manipulates public opinion and erodes trust in the person engaging in such behavior.
In summary, tergiversated refers to the act of deceitfully altering one's beliefs, principles, or opinions in a deliberate and dishonest manner. It involves the conscious and often manipulative act of changing one's stance on an issue, typically for personal gain or to avoid criticism.
The word "tergiversated" comes from the Latin root "tergiversari", which is formed by combining "tergum" meaning "back" or "rear", and "versare" meaning "to turn" or "to spin". This Latin word was later borrowed into English, retaining its meaning of "to turn one's back" or "to change sides". Over time, "tergiversate" developed as a verb in English to refer to someone who changes or shifts their stance, particularly in a deceitful or unreliable manner.