Elude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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elude

[ɪˈluːd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

escape

To evade or escape from someone or something by being quick, skillful, or clever.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, escape, evade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
elude	Use when talking about something or someone managing to avoid capture or understanding, often in a tricky or skillful way. The cat eluded the dog's attempts to catch it. Despite extensive research, the solution to the puzzle continues to elude the scientists.
evade	Similar to 'avoid', but often implies more effort and cleverness, sometimes used in a negative context indicating dishonesty. He evaded the question by changing the topic. They tried to evade paying taxes.
avoid	Commonly used for staying away from something undesirable, often as a precaution. She took a different route to avoid the traffic. He's trying to avoid getting into an argument.
escape	Refers to getting away from a place where one is confined, or from a dangerous or unpleasant situation. The prisoners planned their escape for weeks. They managed to escape the burning building unharmed.
dodge	Often implies a sudden, quick movement to avoid something, can also imply avoiding responsibilities or duties. He managed to dodge the ball just in time. She constantly dodges her chores.

Examples of usage

He managed to elude the police by hiding in the abandoned building.
The criminal eluded capture for months before finally being apprehended.
She tried to elude the paparazzi by sneaking out the back door.
The elusive criminal continued to elude authorities despite their best efforts.
The clever fox was able to elude the hunters and escape into the forest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Eluding can be a defense mechanism, helping people escape uncomfortable emotions or situations.
In studies, individuals often employ elusion in social contexts to avoid conflict or unwanted attention.
The concept relates closely to avoidance behavior, where someone escapes situations perceived as threatening.

Literature

In many stories, characters elude their pursuers, showcasing wit and agility, often symbolizing freedom.
In Shakespeare’s plays, elusion often highlighted themes of deception and cleverness.
Classic tales frequently use elusion as a plot device, adding tension and excitement to the narrative.

Pop Culture

Movies often feature protagonists who must elude villains, adding suspense to the storyline.
Popular games include mechanics where players elude capture, making the gameplay thrilling and strategic.
The phrase 'elude the authorities' appears in various crime dramas, emphasizing the cat-and-mouse dynamics.

Science

In physics, 'elude' can be metaphorically used to describe particles that escape detection in experiments.
The idea of eluding is also present in animal behavior, such as prey eluding predators through camouflage and quick movements.
Research into complex systems shows that certain events may elude prediction, showcasing the unpredictability of chaos theory.

Origin of 'elude'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'eludere,' which means 'to evade' or 'to escape.'
In the 15th century, it was first used in the English language, mainly in the context of tricking or escaping.
The prefix 'e-' means 'out of' or 'from,' while '-lude' relates to 'play' or 'to play.'

The word 'elude' originated from the Latin word 'eludere', which means 'to play with' or 'mock'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify avoiding or escaping from someone or something. The concept of eluding has been present throughout history, as individuals have always sought ways to evade capture or detection. The use of 'elude' in English dates back to the 16th century, and it continues to be a commonly used term in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,192, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19189 steadiness
19190 tbsp
19191 prudently
19192 elude
19193 ewe
19194 polemical
19195 introspection
...