adj
evasive
ih-VAY-sihv
Evasive (adj) means avoiding direct answers or clear commitment. Example: “He stayed evasive when asked about his plans.”
adj
1
Avoiding direct answers or clear commitment.
"He stayed evasive when asked about his plans."
2
Intended to dodge or escape something, such as danger.
"The pilot took evasive action to avoid the missile."
How to use evasive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDodgy or slippery — either in conversation or in physically avoiding danger.
Common pairings
evasive answer
evasive action
evasive maneuver
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more evasive
- Superlative
- most evasive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He stayed _____ when asked about his plans.
Etymology
From French évasif, from the same Latin root as evade.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for evasive
See all rhymes for evasive →Frequently asked questions
What does “evasive” mean?
The word “evasive” means avoiding direct answers or clear commitment. In plain terms, dodgy or slippery — either in conversation or in physically avoiding danger.
How do you pronounce “evasive”?
“Evasive” is pronounced ih-VAY-sihv (/ɪˈveɪsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “evasive” in a sentence?
Here is “evasive” used in a sentence: “He stayed evasive when asked about his plans.”
What is another word for “evasive”?
Words with a similar meaning to “evasive” include elusive, slippery, shifty, cagey, elusory and sly.
What part of speech is “evasive”?
“Evasive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “evasive” come from?
The word “evasive” comes from Latin. From French évasif, from the same Latin root as evade.
How many meanings does “evasive” have?
“Evasive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: avoiding direct answers or clear commitment.
