adjective
illusive
ih-LOO-siv
Illusive (adjective) means Based on or producing an illusion; seeming real but in fact deceptive. Example: “The calm was illusive: fighting resumed within a week.”
adjective
1
Based on or producing an illusion; seeming real but in fact deceptive.
"The calm was illusive: fighting resumed within a week."
"Mirrors gave the narrow hall an illusive depth."
How to use illusive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking real when it is not.
When to use it
Formal and rather literary; illusory is the standard everyday equivalent.
Memory tip
Three lookalikes: illusive (deceiving), elusive (hard to catch), allusive (full of references).
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
illusive hope
illusive sense of safety
illusive gains
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Fill the gap
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The calm was _____: fighting resumed within a week.
Etymology
From Latin illudere 'to mock or play upon', the same root that gives illusion.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for illusive
See all rhymes for illusive →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between illusive and elusive?
Illusive means deceptive — it relates to illusion, to something that is not what it appears. Elusive means hard to catch, find or pin down. A profit can be illusive because the figures mislead, and elusive because you never manage to make one.
Is illusive the same as illusory?
They share a meaning, but illusory is far more common in modern edited English and is usually the safer choice. Many editors treat illusive as a literary variant, and some readers will assume you meant elusive.
What is the meaning of illusive?
"illusive" (adjective) means based on or producing an illusion; seeming real but in fact deceptive.
What is another word for illusive?
Other words for "illusive" include deceptive, illusory, misleading, false, unreal.
