Evasive (ɪˈveɪsɪv) is a word that describes someone who avoids answering a question or direct engagement in conversation. The word begins with the short i sound as in "sit" followed by a long a sound as in "ape" and ending with the short "ih-v" sound. The spelling of this word is derived from the Latin word evasus, which means to escape or avoid. The word is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe someone who avoids a question or issue, making it an essential term to know.
The term "evasive" is commonly used to describe someone or something that avoids giving a direct or straightforward answer or avoids confrontations. It refers to the act or tendency of being elusive, evading or escaping from difficult or uncomfortable situations. Evasive behavior can be observed in individuals who intentionally try to dodge or sidestep a specific question or topic, often by using vague or ambiguous language.
In terms of communication, being evasive often involves giving incomplete or indirect responses, failing to address the crux of an issue, or deliberately diverting the conversation to unrelated matters. It is a defense mechanism exercised by individuals who may feel threatened or apprehensive, aiming to maintain control, privacy, or to withhold important information.
In addition to interpersonal communication, evasion can also be observed in other contexts, such as legal matters or sports. In law, being evasive can refer to a person's attempt to avoid answering questions during cross-examination or avoid providing concrete evidence. In sports, evasive maneuvers involve the calculated and agile movements made by athletes to elude their opponents, often seen in sports like football, basketball, or rugby.
Overall, the term "evasive" characterizes behavior or actions that aim to avoid direct confrontation, clarity, or disclosure, often leading to frustration or difficulties in communication and understanding.
Using artifice to escape or avoid; shuffling.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "evasive" comes from the Latin term "evadere", which is a compound of "e" meaning "out" and "vadere" meaning "to go". "Evadere" literally translates to "to go out" or "to escape". Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Middle French word "evader", which means "to avoid". From there, it entered the English language as "evasive", retaining its meaning of avoiding or escaping something, especially through cleverness or deceptiveness.