adjective
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tending or seeking to evade; avoiding the issue; not straightforward
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avoiding or seeking to avoid trouble or difficulties
to take evasive action
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hard to catch or obtain; elusive
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of evasive
Explanation
To be evasive is to avoid something, whether it's a touchy subject or the person who's "it" in a game of tag. If you're dodging the truth and not giving straight answers, then you're being evasive. Which is probably not the best strategy when the police are asking the questions. From the French évasif, it’s an adjective that describes someone who's being intentionally shifty or vague. But a concept that’s hard to pin down or comprehend can also be considered evasive.
Vocabulary lists containing evasive
Freak the Mighty
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "E"
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And Then There Were None
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Evasive and honest at the same time, with a giant helping of self-congratulation.
From Washington Times • Jun. 22, 2023
Evasive and everywhere, the past imprisons Olivia as good old Gothic stories tend to wrap their tentacles around and ensnare us.
From Salon • Jul. 16, 2022
Evasive and dismissive toward reporters, Beckett responded to Ms. Bair, writing, “My life is dull and without interest.”
From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2020
Evasive Maneuvers Mitt Romney doesn’t want to say anything, specifically.
From Slate • Jun. 26, 2012
Evasive, Sarai turned her attention to the river.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
