Elusive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ē-ˈlü-siv/ elu·sive

Meaning & Definition of Elusive

Elusive (adjective)

  1. tending to elude
  2. tending to evade grasp or pursuit
  3. hard to comprehend or define

Elusive (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. hard to find, capture, or isolate

    "the giant squid is one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants"

    similar: evasive, fugitive, slippery
    related: cagey, shifty, ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient, transitory, inaccessible, inconvenient, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, untouchable
    near: accessible, approachable, attainable, available, convenient, obtainable, reachable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Elusive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Elusive:

evasive, fugitive, slippery

Related Words for Elusive

cagey, shifty, ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient, transitory, inaccessible, inconvenient, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, untouchable

Near Antonyms of Elusive

accessible, approachable, attainable, available, convenient, obtainable, reachable

Word Forms of Elusive

Derived words: elusively (adverb), elusiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Elusive

Latin ēlūsus, past participle of ēlūdere "to trick, avoid, elude" + -ive

First known use: 1725

Frequently Asked Questions about Elusive

What does "Elusive" mean?

"Elusive" means tending to elude. As an adjective, it is defined as: tending to elude.

What is another word for "Elusive"?

Other words for "Elusive" include evasive, fugitive and slippery. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Elusive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Elusive"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Elusive". Common alternatives include evasive, fugitive and slippery.

How do you use "Elusive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Elusive" in a sentence: "the giant squid is one of the ocean's most elusive inhabitants".

Is "Elusive" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Elusive" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Elusive"?

"Elusive" is pronounced /ē-ˈlü-siv/ and divided into syllables as elu·sive.

What is the origin of the word "Elusive"?

"Elusive" comes from Latin ēlūsus, past participle of ēlūdere "to trick, avoid, elude" + -ive. First known use: 1725.

What is another word for "Elusive" meaning "hard to find, capture, or isolate"?

When "Elusive" (adjective) means hard to find, capture, or isolate, synonyms include evasive, fugitive and slippery.