Word
evasive
Phoneticseva·sive
US/iˈveɪzɪv/
UK/ɪvˈeɪsɪv/
Definition
adj. trying to avoid giving a direct answer or a clear explanation. You use this when someone is being secretive or not telling the whole truth.
adj. tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly. Often describes verbal communication or physical movement intended to escape capture or contact.
Examples
“The politician gave an evasive answer to the reporter.”
“When I asked about the missing money, he became evasive and quickly changed the subject.”
“The witness was criticized for her evasive testimony, as she repeatedly claimed to have forgotten key details that were clearly documented in her own emails.”
Examples
simple
“The politician gave an evasive answer to the reporter.”
contextual
“When I asked about the missing money, he became evasive and quickly changed the subject.”
complex
“The witness was criticized for her evasive testimony, as she repeatedly claimed to have forgotten key details that were clearly documented in her own emails.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'remain'.
Pitfall
he was evasive from my questions
he was evasive about my questions
When specifying the topic being avoided, use the preposition 'about' rather than 'from'.
Real-World Examples
“Answers to my growing “Is everything OK?” were getting more evasive.” “This could even prompt certain actors to simply develop smaller, more evasive weapons in response.” Etymology
From French évasif, from Latin ēvādō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/evasive