evasiveness
/ɪˈveɪsɪvnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈveɪsɪvnəs/ (ame, ipa) · /|ivnə̇s, |ēv- also |əv-/ (ame, mw)
evasiveness — noun
1. a way of speaking that avoids a plain answer because the speaker wants to hide t
a way of speaking that avoids a plain answer because the speaker wants to hide the truth or avoid a difficult point.
Asher's evasiveness about the missing cash made the manager ask again.
evasiveness about + topic
During the radio interview, Emma answered with such evasiveness that listeners grew suspicious.
answer with evasiveness
The committee noted Selim's evasiveness when reporters asked who approved the deal.
Noor's evasiveness during class worried the tutor after two simple safety questions.
- equivocation
more formal and often used for deliberately ambiguous wording
- vagueness
can be accidental; lacks the stronger idea of avoidance
- dodging
more informal and strongly suggests avoiding a question
- directness
gives a clear answer without avoiding the point
- frankness
adds an idea of openness and honesty
文法句型
evasiveness about + topic
evasiveness in + reply/answer
用法筆記
Usually appears when someone is questioned and seems unwilling to answer plainly. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is verbal, while sense 2 is about movement or action used to get out of danger.
常見錯誤
2. behaviour or movement used to dodge danger, blame, or some other unwanted result
behaviour or movement used to dodge danger, blame, or some other unwanted result.
Joon's evasiveness near the goal line helped him escape the tackle.
athletic evasiveness avoiding contact
The rabbit's evasiveness kept the fox from reaching it in the tall grass.
evasiveness in movement under pursuit
Drivers praised the bus driver's evasiveness when a truck rolled across the lane.
On the icy road, Sade's evasiveness prevented a crash with the parked van.
- elusiveness
stresses being hard to catch more than the specific action taken
- dodging
more informal and usually tied to quick physical movement
- agility
broader physical skill; does not always imply escaping danger
- exposure
suggests being left open to danger instead of avoiding it
文法句型
evasiveness in + movement/driving/play
evasiveness that prevents + danger
用法筆記
Often used for quick physical reactions or tactics that keep harm from happening. Unlike sense 1, it does not focus on speech or answering questions.