evasive
UK/ɪˈveɪsɪv/US/i'veisiv/
TOEFLGREC2
Definitions
adj.
Deliberately vague or indirect in order to avoid giving a clear answer
（故意）含糊其辞的，回避的
adj.
Done in order to escape or avoid something
用于躲避的，规避性的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivede- (away) + vas- (the -s- form of vad, 'go') + -ive (tending to) = 'tending to walk away.' An evasive answer walks around the point instead of meeting it; evasive action is a move made to dodge danger.
Root vad still carries 16 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.an evasive answer含糊的回答
- 2.evasive action规避动作
- 3.be evasive about something对某事避而不谈
Example Sentences
- 1.
He gave an evasive answer and quickly changed the subject.
- 2.
The pilot took evasive action to avoid the oncoming storm.
Easily Confused
evasive vs vague — vague just means unclear, often by accident (a vague memory). evasive means deliberately unclear to dodge something (an evasive answer). All evasive replies are vague, but they're vague on purpose.