Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Elusiveness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🦋
Add to dictionary

elusiveness

[ɪˈluːsɪvnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

quality of being difficult to find or catch

Elusiveness is the quality of being difficult to find, catch, or achieve. It refers to something that is slippery, evasive, or elusive. Elusiveness can be associated with things that are hard to pin down or grasp.

Synonyms

elusion, elusivity, evasiveness, slipperiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
elusiveness

Used to describe something that is difficult to find, catch, or achieve, often emphasizing its mysterious or hard-to-grasp nature.

  • The elusiveness of the rare butterfly has frustrated many collectors.
  • Her elusiveness made her an enticing figure in the story.
evasiveness

Used to describe the quality of being deliberately vague or avoiding direct answers, often implying deceit or avoidance. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • Her evasiveness during the interview raised suspicion.
  • His evasiveness about his whereabouts made people doubt his story.
slipperiness

Used to describe both physical slipperiness (like a slippery floor) and metaphorically, to describe someone who is difficult to deal with or trust due to their evasive or deceitful nature. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The slipperiness of the roads made driving dangerous.
  • His slipperiness in negotiations made him an unreliable partner.
elusivity

Focuses on the quality of being elusive, similar to 'elusiveness,' but is less commonly used in everyday language.

  • The elusivity of the solution made the problem even more challenging.
  • Scientists were puzzled by the elusivity of the dark matter evidence.
elusion

Typically used to describe the act of avoiding or escaping, often in a skillful or clever manner. It's more about the act itself than the quality of being elusive.

  • His elusion of the authorities for years astonished everyone.
  • The elusion of difficult questions in the interview showed his cleverness.

Examples of usage

  • The elusiveness of the criminal made it hard for the police to catch him.
  • Her elusiveness in the conversation left me feeling confused.
  • The concept of time has an inherent elusiveness.
  • Its elusiveness made it even more desirable.
  • The butterfly's elusiveness added to its mystique.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Many people find elusiveness in their goals, which can create a sense of frustration or motivation depending on their personality.
  • Studies show that when individuals perceive something as elusive, it can actually heighten their desire to pursue it due to the challenge involved.

Literature

  • Elusiveness as a theme often appears in poetry, indicating the fleeting nature of time, love, or truth.
  • In modern literature, characters who embody elusiveness reflect complex inner worlds, leaving readers longing for deeper connection.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of elusiveness is often portrayed in films where a mysterious character cannot be easily understood, creating intrigue.
  • Elusive figures in music, like certain artists who rarely appear in public, build a mystique that enhances their artistry.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have long debated notions of elusiveness, particularly regarding knowledge and truth, suggesting that some truths might always remain out of reach.
  • The idea of elusiveness challenges the notion of certainty, urging individuals to embrace ambiguity in understanding life and existence.

Origin of 'elusiveness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'eludere', which means 'to evade' or 'to escape'.
  • It first appeared in English around the early 19th century, forming part of broader discussions around perception and reality.

The word 'elusiveness' originates from the verb 'elude', which comes from the Latin word 'eludere', meaning 'to play with or mock'. The concept of elusiveness has been present in various cultures and languages throughout history, often associated with mystery, intrigue, and difficulty. The idea of something being elusive or hard to grasp is a common theme in literature, philosophy, and everyday life.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,233 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.