Learn how to use the comparative “more elusive” and superlative “most elusive” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “elusive”?

The comparative form of “elusive” is “more elusive”.

Example

Finding a solution to the problem is more elusive than I thought.

Example

Capturing the perfect photograph of a wild animal is more elusive than it seems.

What is the superlative form of “elusive”?

The superlative form of “elusive” is “most elusive”.

Example

Among all the mysteries, the identity of the anonymous artist remains the most elusive.

Example

The concept of time is the most elusive subject in philosophy.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are used with "elusive" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "more elusive" and "most elusive" are commonly used to indicate a higher degree of difficulty in finding or capturing something.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Elusive" follows the regular pattern of using "more" and "most" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “more elusive”

more difficult to find

Used to describe something that is harder to locate or obtain.

Example

The hidden treasure was more difficult to find than they anticipated.

more evasive

Used to indicate that something is harder to catch or pin down.

Example

The criminal was more evasive than the police expected.

Expressions with similar meanings to “most elusive”

hardest to find

Used to describe something that is the most difficult to locate or obtain.

Example

The rare species of bird was the hardest to find in the entire forest.

most evasive

Used to indicate that something is the hardest to catch or pin down.

Example

The ghost was the most evasive entity they had ever encountered.

Using than with comparative “more elusive”

When using the comparative form "more elusive" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Finding a solution to the problem is more elusive than I thought." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of difficulty in finding a solution is higher than what was initially expected.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more elusive” and “most elusive” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Mysteries

  The truth behind the legend is more elusive than anyone imagined.

  The truth behind the legend is more elusive than anyone imagined.

• 2. Creatures

  The mythical creature is the most elusive being in folklore.

  The mythical creature is the most elusive being in folklore.

• 3. Ideas

  Understanding the concept of infinity is more elusive than it appears.

  Understanding the concept of infinity is more elusive than it appears.

• 4. Goals

  Achieving success in the project is the most elusive objective.

  Achieving success in the project is the most elusive objective.

Related idioms and phrases

Like chasing a shadow

To pursue something that is constantly moving or changing and difficult to catch or understand.

Example

Trying to convince him is like chasing a shadow.

Slip through one's fingers

To fail to grasp or hold onto something, especially something valuable or important.

Example

The opportunity slipped through his fingers before he could take advantage of it.