Elusive

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈluːsɪv/

Definitions

1. Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

2. Hard to define, describe, or remember.

3. Tending to elude capture or perception, often intentionally or through cleverness.

Usage Examples

1. "The elusive butterfly fluttered just out of reach, never landing long enough to be caught."

2. "Her elusive smile made it difficult to tell if she was happy or sad."

3. "The solution to the puzzle remained elusive, no matter how many attempts they made."

Etymology

The word 'elusive' comes from the Latin word "eludere," which means "to evade or escape." It entered English in the early 17th century and originally referred to something that escapes or avoids being caught or understood. Over time, the meaning expanded to describe things that are hard to grasp mentally or physically.

Synonyms

• Evasive
• Hard-to-find
• Uncatchable
• Indefinable
• Fleeting
• Slippery

Antonyms

• Obvious
• Clear
• Catchable
• Accessible
• Definite
• Understandable

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some dialects of English, the pronunciation may slightly differ depending on regional accents. In American English, the stress may fall more heavily on the second syllable, while in British English, the first syllable may be emphasized slightly more.

Historical Usage

The word 'elusive' has been in use since the early 17th century and is derived from the Latin word "eludere," meaning "to escape or evade." Historically, it was used to describe something that was hard to catch, either physically or figuratively, such as an elusive concept or idea. It has evolved over time to describe people, objects, or ideas that are difficult to define, grasp, or achieve.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of elusiveness has been tied to mystery and intrigue. In literature, the 'elusive' character often represents the unknowable or the unattainable, playing a critical role in stories that emphasize the limits of human understanding. In psychological contexts, elusiveness can refer to the difficulty in pinning down certain thoughts or behaviors that are fleeting or evasive.

More Information

The term 'elusive' is widely used across different domains, from everyday conversation to academic and artistic contexts. In literature, an elusive character might symbolize something unattainable, reflecting a theme of desire or pursuit. In science, 'elusive' is often used to describe phenomena that are difficult to observe or quantify. In common speech, it is frequently applied to anything that cannot be easily understood or captured, whether it's a person, idea, or goal.