evasive

/ɪˈveɪsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈveɪsɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈvā-siv -ziv, ē-/ (ame, mw)

evasive — adjective

1. choosing to respond to questions with unclear or indirect statements, usually be

1.形容詞B2
釋義

choosing to respond to questions with unclear or indirect statements, usually because you want to hide what you truly think or know.

例句

Noa gave an evasive answer when her mother asked about the missing concert tickets.

collocation: evasive answer

The CEO's evasive statement at the press conference raised more questions than answers.

evasive + statement (formal speech noun)

同義詞
  • equivocal

    more formal; suggests language that can be interpreted in two or more ways on purpose

  • non-committal

    milder; avoids taking a position without necessarily hiding the truth

  • cagey

    informal; suggests careful wariness or slyness

反義詞

文法句型

evasive + noun

be evasive

be evasive about something

become evasive

用法筆記

Commonly used to describe how a person responds in conversation or writing, rather than physical actions. The focus is on avoiding honesty or commitment in communication. Compare with sense 2 (AVOID DANGER), which describes actions taken to escape harm.

常見錯誤

❌The suspect was elusive during questioning.
✅The suspect was evasive during questioning.
💡'elusive' means hard to catch or find; 'evasive' means not giving direct answers.
❌The politician's statements were very ambiguous.
✅The politician's statements were evasive.
💡'ambiguous' means having multiple possible interpretations; 'evasive' suggests a deliberate intention to avoid the truth.

2. carried out to get away from or prevent harm, danger, or an unwanted outcome.

2.形容詞B2
釋義

carried out to get away from or prevent harm, danger, or an unwanted outcome.

例句

The pilot took evasive action to avoid a collision with the small plane.

fixed phrase: take evasive action

The cyclist made a quick evasive turn to avoid hitting the open car door.

evasive turn (physical movement)

同義詞
  • defensive

    focuses on protecting against attack or criticism rather than escaping

  • avoidant

    more clinical or technical; describes behaviour that stays away from something

反義詞
  • direct

    moving straight toward something without trying to avoid it

  • confrontational

    choosing to face a problem or threat head-on

文法句型

evasive + action/measure/maneuver

take evasive action

用法筆記

Often found in fixed phrases such as 'take evasive action' or 'evasive maneuvers.' The adjective describes the action or measure itself, not the person. Distinguish from sense 1 (EVADE QUESTIONS), which applies to speech and behaviour rather than physical movement.

常見錯誤

❌The soldiers took elusive action to avoid the attack.
✅The soldiers took evasive action to avoid the attack.
💡'elusive' describes something hard to catch or find; 'evasive action' is the correct fixed phrase for avoiding danger.