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Evasiveness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Evasiveness is the tendency to avoid giving direct or clear answers, often by being deliberately vague or misleading. It is commonly used to dodge questions or responsibility.

evasiveness

/ɪˈveɪsɪvnəs/ /ɪˈveɪsɪvnəs/

Definition:

The quality of avoiding direct answers or being deliberately vague.

Synonyms:

elusiveness, ambiguity, equivocation, dodging

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

directness, frankness, openness

Common Collocations:

political evasiveness, evasiveness in speech, evasive tactics

Derivatives:

evasive, evasively

Usage Tips:

Use "evasiveness" to describe someone avoiding clear answers or being intentionally unclear in communication.

Common Phrases:

beat around the bush, dodge the question, skirt the issue

Etymology:

Derived from "evasive," from Latin "evadere" meaning "to escape."

Examples:

  • 1. Her evasiveness made it hard to trust her answers.
  • 2. The politician's evasiveness frustrated the reporters.
  • 3. He responded with evasiveness when asked about his plans.
  • 4. Her evasiveness hinted she was hiding something.

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