Evasive: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone is trying to avoid giving a clear or direct answer, often because they are hiding something or don't want to be pinned down.

• He was very evasive during the interview, never giving a straight answer to any of the questions

When someone is being deliberately unclear or ambiguous, often to mislead or deceive. This has a more negative connotation compared to 'ambiguous'.

• Her responses were equivocal, leaving us unsure of her true intentions

When someone is being evasive, but this term is less commonly used. It still involves avoiding a direct response.

• The politician's evasory comments made it difficult to understand his stance on the issue

When something can be understood in more than one way and it is unclear what the exact meaning is, often leading to confusion.

• The instructions were so ambiguous, I didn't know what they wanted me to do

Use this when someone is trying to avoid giving a clear answer or being direct, often in a manner that raises suspicion.

• His answers during the interview were so evasive that it was hard to understand his true intentions

This is used in general contexts where someone is steering clear of a person, situation, or responsibility.

• She is avoiding her responsibilities by pretending to be busy with other tasks

This is often used in a more active or physical sense, implying a quick or sudden movement to avoid something, but can also be used metaphorically.

• He was dodging all my questions about his whereabouts last night

This term has a negative connotation and is used when someone appears deceitful or untrustworthy in their behavior or mannerisms.

• The new guy seemed shifty, always looking around nervously and giving vague answers