Definition

In a way that is difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

Example

The solution to the puzzle was elusively hidden in the text.

Conversation

Did you manage to catch that new artist at the gallery?

I tried, but they always seem to appear elusively at the most unexpected times.

I know what you mean; it's like they want to keep everyone guessing.

Exactly! It's part of their mystery, I guess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Elusively → It is formed from "elus" (from Latin "elusus", meaning to evade or escape) and "-ively" (a suffix forming adverbs). The word "elusively" means in a manner that evades or escapes understanding or perception.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'evades' or 'escapes' — that's what 'elusively' means, describing how something can be hard to grasp or understand.

Visually Confused Words