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.
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.