Elusory

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈluːsəri/

Definitions

1. Characterized by being elusive or hard to grasp.

2. Describing something that appears real but is actually an illusion or fantasy.

3. Lacking substance or permanence, often in reference to ideas or promises.

Usage Examples

1. "The elusory nature of the dream left her with more questions than answers."

2. "His promises seemed elusory, slipping away just when they were within reach."

3. "The elusory concept of perfection often leads people to endless dissatisfaction."

Etymology

Derived from the word 'elusive' with the addition of the suffix '-ory,' which indicates a characteristic or pertaining to. The word 'elusive' comes from the Latin "eludere," meaning "to evade or escape." The suffix '-ory' suggests that something is of the nature of being elusive or illusory.

Synonyms

• Illusory
• Evasive
• Fleeting
• Unreal
• Abstract
• Unattainable

Antonyms

• Real
• Definite
• Concretely
• Accessible
• Concrete

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of 'elusory' can vary slightly in different accents. For example, in British English, there may be a more pronounced emphasis on the second syllable (/ɪˈluːsəri/), whereas in American English, the first syllable might carry a slightly stronger emphasis.

Historical Usage

The word 'elusory' is derived from the adjective 'elusive,' first recorded in the 17th century, and the addition of the '-ory' suffix suggests a characteristic of being illusory or fleeting. Historically, it has been used to describe concepts, dreams, and objects that are difficult or impossible to define or capture, making it ideal in philosophical, literary, and psychological discussions.

Cultural Nuances

'Elusory' often carries a sense of mystery or unattainability, and it is commonly used in the context of idealistic or unattainable goals. In Western philosophy, it has been used to refer to the ideal that cannot be realized in practice, such as the concept of absolute beauty or truth. In other cultures, such as Eastern traditions, the word can relate to impermanence or the transient nature of life itself.

More Information

The adjective 'elusory' is frequently employed in literature and philosophy, often describing something that appears to be real but is not, or something that cannot be captured. In everyday language, it is used to describe fleeting moments, dreams, and ideas that are difficult to pin down. It is closely related to words like 'illusory' and 'elusive,' and is sometimes used to discuss topics in science and psychology, particularly in relation to unattainable goals or abstract concepts.