What Does Elusive Mean? Explained
What does elusive mean
Pronunciation
/ɪˈluːsɪv/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Tending to evade capture, perception, or comprehension; difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Examples
- The police had been searching for the elusive suspect for months.
- The company’s goal was to create an elusive innovation that would revolutionize the industry.
Synonyms
- Evasive
- Fleeting
- Elusive
Antonyms
- Obvious
- Accessible
- Tangible
Additional Information
The term “elusive” can be used to describe a wide range of concepts, from a suspect in a crime to a difficult-to-achieve goal. It often implies a sense of evasion or fleeing, and can be used to convey a sense of mystery or unpredictability.
In literature and poetry, the concept of elusiveness is often used to explore themes of pursuit, longing, and the human condition.
In science and technology, elusive concepts can refer to phenomena that are difficult to measure or quantify, such as dark matter or dark energy.
Etymology
The word “elusive” comes from the Latin “elusivus,” meaning “tending to evade or avoid.”
Usage Notes
When using the word “elusive,” be careful not to confuse it with “allusive,” which refers to a reference or allusion to something.
Cultural References
The concept of elusiveness has been explored in literature, film, and music, with examples including the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel, the elusive smile of the Mona Lisa, and the elusive quality of jazz musician Miles Davis.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Elusive dream
- Elusive goal
Related Words or Phrases
- Evasive
- Fleeting
- Intangible
Collocations
- Elusive suspect
- Elusive innovation
Frequency of Use
The word “elusive” is moderately common, with a frequency of use of around 0.02% in modern language.
Common Misspellings
- Illusive
- Ellusive