1
Core action
Escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
Example
The nocturnal insects evade many daytime predators.
evade
/ɪˈveɪd/ · ih-VAYDverb
Escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
Use evade to express this relationship precisely: escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
What evade Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The response evades the central question about funding.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The company cannot evade responsibility by changing its name.
Use evade Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The nocturnal insects evade many daytime predators.
The response evades the central question about funding.
The company cannot evade responsibility by changing its name.
Precision Matters
Evade overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
evade
vs.Means escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
circumvent
Means to find a way around or avoid an obstacle.
evade
vs.Means escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
rebut
Means to argue against a claim by offering contrary reasoning or evidence.
evade
vs.Means escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
acknowledge
Means accept, admit, or recognise the existence or validity of a fact, claim, limitation, or contribution.
evade
vs.Means escape, avoid, or elude a person, obligation, danger, or difficult question.
confound
Means to confuse, baffle, or prevent a clear explanation.
Test evade in Context
She avoids answering the difficult central question.
1
Although the witness discussed minor details, she continued to ___ the question of who authorised the payment.