What does it mean to prevaricate?

To prevaricate means to speak or act in an evasive manner, often to avoid telling the truth or to mislead someone. This term is commonly used when someone tries to dodge a question or provide unclear information instead of being direct and forthright. In this context, the choice that best aligns with the meaning of prevaricate is that it involves speaking ambiguously to mislead, which clearly captures the essence of the term.

In contrast, the other options describe behaviors that are clear, honest, and straightforward, which are the opposite of what prevaricating entails. The focus of prevarication is on obscurity and evasion rather than clarity or detail.