Word of the Day: Elude
What's the story
The word "elude" is a verb that means to escape from something or someone in a skillful or clever way. It can also describe something that remains difficult to achieve or understand. For instance, if success constantly seems out of reach, you can say it continues to "elude" you.
Origin
Origin of the word
The word "elude" comes from the Latin word eludere, which means "to escape from" or "to make a fool of." Over time, it entered the English language, retaining its meaning of skillfully avoiding capture, understanding, or achievement.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'elude'
Some synonyms for "elude" include "evade," "dodge," "escape," "avoid," and "bypass." While these words may seem similar, there are subtle differences. For example, "evade" often implies a planned effort to stay away from something, while "elude" highlights the skill or difficulty involved in avoiding capture, understanding, or achievement.
Usage
Sentence usage
Here's how "elude" can be used in a sentence: "The thief managed to 'elude' the police by blending into the crowd." "Despite her efforts, the answer to the riddle continued to 'elude' her." "Success seemed to 'elude' him no matter how hard he tried."
Situations
Why use the word
The word "elude" is a powerful choice when describing situations where something feels just out of reach. It can express mental challenges, tricky situations, or even physical escapes. Adding "elude" to your vocabulary helps convey cleverness, struggle, or mystery with precision.