In a way that does not express or reveal a definite opinion or course of action; evasively. It describes a manner of speaking or behaving that avoids making a firm decision, taking a clear stance, or providing a definite answer. This can be achieved through vague language, hedging, or simply refusing to give a direct response. It can be used for diplomacy, strategic ambiguity, or to avoid potential conflict or responsibility. The intention can range from neutral, reflecting genuine uncertainty, to deliberately manipulative. It often involves delaying a decision or commitment to buy time, gather more information, or assess the situation before acting.
Noncommittally meaning with examples
- When asked about the upcoming budget cuts, the CEO responded noncommittally, stating only that 'the situation is under review' and 'all options are being considered.' This avoided any direct statement about the magnitude or impact of the changes, allowing him to gauge reactions before committing to a specific plan. His noncommittal response offered him flexibility and maneuverability in future situations.
- During the heated debate, the politician skillfully navigated the sensitive topic of tax reform noncommittally. He praised the 'valid concerns' of both sides without explicitly endorsing either proposal. This approach kept his options open, allowing him to maintain a broad base of support and adapt to the evolving political landscape. It allowed him to appease supporters while staying clear of committing.
- The detective questioned the suspect noncommittally, repeating key phrases and offering open-ended inquiries rather than direct accusations. This technique, designed to observe the suspect's reactions and obtain information without revealing the case's details, allowed the detective to gauge the suspect's truthfulness and determine if he was culpable in any criminal actions, helping to extract details.
- After the proposal was presented, she listened to the feedback noncommittally, nodding occasionally and offering generic affirmations like 'interesting.' This strategic silence avoided any immediate commitment, allowing her time to weigh the pros and cons and consult with her team before giving a definitive answer. It allowed her to control the conversation in a way that was carefully measured.