Elusive
Adjective
Definition: Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Synonyms: Evasive, Slippery, Tricky
Antonyms: Accessible, Attainable, Easy
Examples:
- The elusive suspect managed to escape yet again.
- The solution to the puzzle remained elusive despite hours of effort.
Mnemonics:
- Imagine a slippery fish that eludes your grasp.
Etymology:
Origin:
From Latin "eludere" meaning "to evade" or "to mock"
Historical Usage:The word "elusive" has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe something difficult to capture or comprehend.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Chasing an elusive dream"
Explanation:Refers to relentlessly pursuing or striving for something that seems difficult or impossible to achieve.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Using "elusive" as a synonym for "elusory" or "illusory."
Explanation:While "elusive" means difficult to catch or achieve, "elusory" or "illusory" means deceptive or misleading. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.