Basic Details
Word: Evasive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly; difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Synonyms: Elusive, ambiguous, vague, misleading
Antonyms: Direct, straightforward, honest, frank
Idioms and Phrases
- Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important. Example: "Stop being evasive and tell me what really happened - don't beat around the bush."
- Give someone the runaround: To be evasive in dealing with someone. Example: "The customer felt frustrated because the support team kept giving him the runaround."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The politician gave an evasive answer when asked about the allegations.
Example 2: Her evasive behavior made everyone suspicious of her intentions.
Example 3: The thief remained evasive despite the police's best efforts to catch him.
Fun Fact
The word "evasive" originates from the Latin word "evasivus," meaning "tending to escape." It is often used to describe speech or actions that are intentionally unclear or misleading to avoid a direct answer or confrontation.
Famous Quote
"Truth is so rare that it is delightful to tell it." Emily Dickinson, often referencing the evasive nature of truth in human communication.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "evasive" mean?
a) Easy to understand
b) Tending to avoid or escape
c) Full of joy
d) Direct and open
Answer: b) Tending to avoid or escape
2. Which of these is a synonym of "evasive"?
a) Clear
b) Honest
c) Elusive
d) Bold
Answer: c) Elusive
3. Which is an antonym of "evasive"?
a) Ambiguous
b) Vague
c) Misleading
d) Direct
Answer: d) Direct
4. Which sentence uses "evasive" correctly?
a) She gave an evasive answer, avoiding the real issue.
b) He was evasive his homework before dinner.
c) The evasive walked quickly to school.
d) They evasive to play today.
Answer: a) She gave an evasive answer, avoiding the real issue.
5. What does the idiom "beat around the bush" mean?
a) To be aggressive in discussion
b) To avoid saying something directly
c) To go outside
d) To hunt in the forest
Answer: b) To avoid saying something directly
