elusive — difficult to find, catch, or achieve; hard to remember or define clearly
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: difficult to find, catch, or achieve; hard to remember or define clearly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈluːsɪv/
Example Sentences
- My cat has an elusive talent for disappearing right before bath time.
- The perfect work-life balance seems elusive in today's fast-paced world.
- Finding a parking spot in downtown during lunch hour is notoriously elusive.
elusive
ADJECTIVE[/ɪˈluːsɪv/]
difficult to find, catch, or achieve; hard to remember or define clearly
The elusive fox slipped past the hunters again, vanishing into the mist.
Eel, you're sive — slippery and elusive!
Conclusive evidence stays elusive in the exclusive vault.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'eludere' meaning 'to evade or escape,' composed of 'e-' (out) and 'ludere' (to play or mock). The word entered English in the late 16th century to describe something that escapes or evades.
Breakdown
e- (out) + lud (play, mock) + -ive (adjective suffix) = elusive (tending to elude or escape)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat has an elusive talent for disappearing right before bath time.”
“The perfect work-life balance seems elusive in today's fast-paced world.”
“Finding a parking spot in downtown during lunch hour is notoriously elusive.”
“The elusive smell of my grandmother's cooking always brings back childhood memories.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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