elusive

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elusive  /ɪ ˈlu sɪv/ ? Meaning of "elusive"

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Definition(s):

  1. (adj) difficult to describe
  2. (adj) skillful at eluding capture
  3. (adj) difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
  4. (adj) making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

Synonym(s)

knotty, problematic, problematical, tough, subtle

Usage(s):

  1. The pilot who had parachuted into enemy territory remained elusive and the enemy patrols could never capture him.
  2. Seconds before the final whistle the home team got their elusive match winning goal.
  3. The elusive chimpanzee is now tracked by radio signals.

Quotes

  1. "Paying for what you spend is basic common sense," Obama said. "Perhaps that's why, here in Washington, it's been so elusive."
    on Jun 9, 2009 By: Barack Obama Source: CNN International

  2. Gates called Iran "an ambitious and fanatical theocracy," and said he has yet to find "the elusive Iranian moderate," according to remarks prepared for delivery Monday at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.
    on Oct 15, 2007 By: Robert Gates Source: International Herald Tribune

  3. "He frustrates a lot of defenses," Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini said. "You bring a bunch of guys, and he's able to create plays there. You drop a bunch of guys, and you may give him too much time. ...... He's elusive and he's strong. He's...
    on Oct 18, 2009 By: Eric Mangini Source: Canton Repository

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