elusory

/ ɪˈluːsərɪ /

adjective

1. avoiding the issue; evasive

   elusory arguments

2. difficult to grasp mentally; elusive

   elusory ideas

Example Sentences

The Nobel Foundation said in 1998 the prize was given to Saramago "who with parables sustained by imagination, compassion and irony continually enables us once again to apprehend an elusory reality."

From Reuters

But a very little consideration must be sufficient to show that this is an elusory distinction; and that it was the unrestricted admission of foreign wheat by purchase, which in reality, coupled with the contraction of the currency, destroyed the dominion of the legions.

From Project Gutenberg

To stifle this cry in the dreaded populace of the Eternal City, the emperors imported grain largely from Egypt and Lybia, and distributed it at an elusory price, or gratuitously, to the people.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boer ultimatum, by making it impossible for the British Government to be any longer cajoled into an elusory settlement by Boer diplomacy, had relieved Lord Milner of a load of anxiety, and closed a period of unparalleled physical and mental strain.

From Project Gutenberg

Malice and heartburning were out of the question with a lissom, winsome, witching fairy like this, who played with her life as a child does with soap-bubbles, and who was as elusory and irresponsible as a summer-day rainbow.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ambiguous
• fleeting
• illusory
• incomprehensible
• puzzling
• slippery
• subtle
• tricky
• volatile