elusiveness
|e-lu-sive-ness|
C1
/ɪˈluːsɪvnəs/
(elusive)
difficult to grasp
Etymology
Etymology Information
'elusive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'eludere,' where 'e-' meant 'out' and 'ludere' meant 'to play.'
Historical Evolution
'eludere' transformed into the French word 'éluder,' and eventually became the modern English word 'elusive' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to play out or escape,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'difficult to find or achieve.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality of being difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
The elusiveness of the rare bird made it a prized sighting for birdwatchers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45