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Evading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evading

[ɪˈveɪdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

avoiding responsibility

Evading means to escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or deceit. It can also refer to avoiding answering a question directly or avoiding facing a difficult situation.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, escape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evading

Evading is used when someone is trying to avoid something intentionally and skillfully, often in a negative or dishonest way.

  • He was evading taxes by hiding his income
  • Politicians are often accused of evading difficult questions
avoid

Avoid is used in general situations where someone wants to steer clear of something or someone, often as a precaution or preference.

  • She tries to avoid traffic by leaving early
  • He avoided the puddle on the street
dodge

Dodge is used when someone quickly moves out of the way of something or someone, or tries to avoid a difficult situation or question.

  • He dodged the ball that was thrown at him
  • She dodged the question by changing the subject
escape

Escape is used when someone gets free from a place, situation, or control where they were confined or trapped.

  • The prisoners managed to escape from the jail
  • She wants to escape her stressful job

Examples of usage

  • He was evading the police by hiding in the basement.
  • She kept evading the question about her involvement in the project.
  • The company was accused of evading taxes by using offshore accounts.
Context #2 | Verb

avoiding capture

Evading can also mean to escape or elude capture, especially in the context of a pursuit or a chase.

Synonyms

dodge, elude, escape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evading

This appears to be a repetition and is identical to the first entry.
elude

Used when someone or something is escaping or avoiding capture or comprehension, often suggesting something slippery or elusive.

  • The criminal eluded the police for weeks
  • The answer had always eluded me until now
escape

Used when someone successfully gets away from a place, situation, or danger. It's more general and doesn't imply the method of avoidance.

  • The prisoners managed to escape from the high-security jail
  • He needed a vacation to escape the stress of his job
dodge

Usually refers to a quick, physical movement to avoid something, but can also be used metaphorically for avoiding difficulties or responsibilities.

  • She managed to dodge the falling branch just in time
  • He always finds a way to dodge his work

Examples of usage

  • The criminal managed to evade the authorities for weeks.
  • The spy was skilled at evading detection by changing identities.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal

  • In legal contexts, evading can refer to avoiding law enforcement, particularly in matters like tax evasion or evading arrest.
  • Tax evasion is a serious crime where individuals deliberately avoid paying taxes owed, often leading to hefty fines or jail time.
  • The concept has sparked many discussions about ethics and accountability in society, leading to laws aimed at reducing such behavior.

Psychology

  • People can evade uncomfortable conversations or emotions, which can lead to stress buildup if not addressed.
  • Avoidance behavior is a common reaction to anxiety, often reflected in individuals who evade situations that cause discomfort.
  • In therapy, understanding evasion can help individuals confront their issues and promote healthier coping strategies.

Pop Culture

  • Many action films feature protagonists who evade capture, showcasing clever tactics and thrilling escapes.
  • The classic video game 'Pac-Man' employs evasion as a core strategy, as players navigate the maze to avoid ghosts.
  • The term 'evading' often appears in music lyrics, symbolizing themes of freedom and escape from reality.

Education

  • In learning environments, students might resort to evading tough questions during discussions if they are not prepared.
  • Educational strategies often encourage open communication to reduce the tendency to evade participation.
  • Teachers aim to create safe spaces where students feel secure enough not to evade answering questions.

Origin of 'evading'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'evade' comes from the Latin word 'evadere,' which means 'to escape or avoid,' composed of 'e' meaning out of and 'vadere' meaning to go.
  • It became part of the English language in the late 14th century, capturing the concept of clever escape.
  • Related forms like 'evasion' and 'evader' also share this root, emphasizing the action or the one performing it.

The word 'evade' has its origins in the Latin word 'evadere', which means 'to escape.' It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'evading' has come to be associated with avoiding or escaping in various contexts, from responsibility to capture.

See also: evasion, evasive, evasiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,285, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.