What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elusive
Example
The elusive butterfly was finally captured by the scientist. [elusive: adjective]
Example
The meaning of the poem remained elusive even after multiple readings. [elusive: adjective]
evasive
Example
The politician was evasive when asked about his stance on the controversial issue. [evasive: adjective]
Example
She was evasive about her plans for the weekend, which made me suspicious. [evasive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Evasive is more commonly used than elusive in everyday language. Evasive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while elusive is less common and usually used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elusive and evasive?
Both elusive and evasive can be used in formal or informal contexts, but evasive is more commonly used in everyday language and can be seen as less formal than elusive.
