illusive

American  

[ih-loo-siv] / ɪˈlu sɪv /

adjective

1. illusory.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonillusively
  adverb
• illusively
  adverb
• nonillusiveness
  noun
• unillusive
  adjective
• nonillusive
  adjective
• illusiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of illusive

First recorded in 1670–80; illus(ory) + -ive

Explanation

If something misleads or deceives you, it is illusive. If you think you see a unicorn in your back yard, but it suddenly disappears, you can describe the vision as illusive. Illusive comes from illusion, an old, old word that originally meant "to mock, to make fun of, to trick." Magicians make great use of illusions, but while someone can be deliberately illusive, the word does not always imply that that someone means to mislead you. Some things, like truth, are illusive by nature; others, like the past, become hazy through time.

Example Sentences

One grasps an airy sword, a second holds Illusive fire, and in vain wanton folds Belies a flame; others, less kind, appear To let him blood, and from the purple tear Create a rose.

From Poems of Henry Vaughan, Silurist, Volume II by Chambers, E. K. (Edmund Kerchever)

Illusive hopes and irresponsible deceptions She lacked sense a little and sensitiveness much To be popular is not necessarily to be contemptible Who say 'God bless you' in New York!

From Quotations from the PG Collected Works of Gilbert Parker by Widger, David

Illusive at first, evanescent as filaments of gossamer; then as the buds opened, emphasising itself, breathing deeper, stronger.

From The Octopus : A story of California by Norris, Frank

Illusive dreams 249:18 Life is, like Christ, "the same yesterday, and to-day,         and forever."

From Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Eddy, Mary Baker

My life shall seem a trance, a dream, And all I feel and see Illusive, visionary—thou The one reality.

From Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul by Mudge, James