Elusive definition Meaning and Definition
Elusive definition
Pronunciation
/ɛlˈyuːsɪv ˈdɛfɪnɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An elusive definition is a term or concept that is difficult to clearly and precisely define or explain, often due to its complex or abstract nature.
Examples
1. “The concept of love is an elusive definition that has puzzled philosophers and poets for centuries.”
2. “The meaning of the term ‘art’ is an elusive definition that has been debated by critics and artists.”
Synonyms
1. Enigmatic
2. Ambiguous
Antonyms
1. Clear-cut
2. Definitive
Etymology
The word “elusive” comes from the Latin “eludere,” meaning “to evade” or “to escape.” The concept of an elusive definition has been present in various forms of literature and philosophy throughout history.
Usage Notes
The term “elusive definition” is often used in academic, literary, or philosophical contexts to describe concepts or ideas that are difficult to pin down or explain.
Cultural References
The term “elusive definition” has been referenced in various works of literature, such as James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.”
Idiomatic Expressions
1. “The definition is elusive, but the concept is clear in the writer’s intention.”
2. “The term’s elusive definition makes it challenging to understand.”
Collocations
1. Elusive definition and abstract concept
2. The elusive definition of love and the human experience
Frequency of Use
The term “elusive definition” is not commonly used in everyday language but is prevalent in academic, philosophical, and literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspelling of the term is “elusiv definition.”