verb
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elude
ih-LOOD
Elude (verb) means to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck. Example: “The suspect eluded police for nearly a week.”
verb
1
To avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck.
"The suspect eluded police for nearly a week."
"A cure for the disease has eluded scientists for decades."
2
To fail to be remembered or understood by someone.
"Her name eludes me right now."
"The meaning of the poem eluded most of the class."
How to use elude
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo slip away from something — whether it's a pursuer, an answer, or a memory.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "allude" (to hint at something) — they sound alike but mean very different things.
Common pairings
elude capture
elude police
the answer eludes me
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- eludes
- Past tense
- eluded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The suspect _____ police for nearly a week.
Etymology
From Latin eludere, "to trick or dodge" — built from ex- ("out") and ludere ("to play").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for elude
See all rhymes for elude →Frequently asked questions
What does “elude” mean?
The word “elude” means to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck. In plain terms, to slip away from something — whether it's a pursuer, an answer, or a memory.
How do you pronounce “elude”?
“Elude” is pronounced ih-LOOD (/ɪˈlud/ in IPA).
How do you use “elude” in a sentence?
Here is “elude” used in a sentence: “The suspect eluded police for nearly a week.”
What part of speech is “elude”?
“Elude” is a verb.
Where does the word “elude” come from?
The word “elude” comes from Latin. From Latin eludere, "to trick or dodge" — built from ex- ("out") and ludere ("to play").
How many meanings does “elude” have?
“Elude” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck.
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