elusively
In dodging fashion
Elusively describes doing something in a way that avoids capture, clear understanding, or precise definition.
A meaning may elusively slip away just as you think you've grasped it.
The answer hovered elusively at the edge of her memory.
Something elusively familiar is almost recognizable but won't quite come into focus.
Avoiding by moving aside
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- slipperyLacking friction, hard-to-grasp
- avoidantInclined to evade
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
circumlocutory · prevaricating · indirect · cagey · deflecting · equivocating · obfuscating · wily
Puzzling and obscure
- crypticObscure in meaning
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- unfathomableBeyond comprehension or measurement
sphinxlike · esoteric · veiled · hidden · obscure · shadowy · secretive · abstruse
Temporary, soon departing
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- evanescentTending to vanish quickly
- passingMoving by or temporary
vanishing · brief · fugitive · fading · short-lived · impermanent · fugacious · dissipating
Unclear, ill-defined
- unclearNot easily understood
- nebulousUnclear and formless
- indistinctUnclear, hard to perceive
- indefiniteNot precisely determined
imprecise · hazy · blurred · fuzzy · murky · opaque · indeterminate · unspecific
Delicate beyond earthly measure
- abstractCondensed version of text
- immaterialLacking physical form; unimportant
- insubstantialLacking physical or material substance
- incorporealNot made of matter
ungraspable · spectral · phantasmal · ghostly · formless · vaporous · amorphous · nebulous
dodging
Avoiding by moving aside
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- slipperyLacking friction, hard-to-grasp
- avoidantInclined to evade
noncommittal · circumlocutory · prevaricating · indirect · cagey · deflecting · equivocating · obfuscating · wily · artful
enigmatic
Puzzling and obscure
- crypticObscure in meaning
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- arcaneUnderstood by few
unfathomable · sphinxlike · esoteric · veiled · hidden · obscure · shadowy · secretive · abstruse · inexplicable
transient
Temporary, soon departing
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- momentaryLasting very briefly
- evanescentTending to vanish quickly
passing · vanishing · brief · fugitive · fading · short-lived · impermanent · fugacious · dissipating · flitting
vague
Unclear, ill-defined
- unclearNot easily understood
- nebulousUnclear and formless
- indistinctUnclear, hard to perceive
indefinite · imprecise · hazy · blurred · fuzzy · murky · opaque · indeterminate · unspecific · ill-defined
ethereal
Delicate beyond earthly measure
- abstractCondensed version of text
- immaterialLacking physical form; unimportant
- insubstantialLacking physical or material substance
incorporeal · ungraspable · spectral · phantasmal · ghostly · formless · vaporous · amorphous · nebulous · diaphanous
elusivelyclearly
Without ambiguity
plainly · obviously · directly · explicitly · definitely
elusivelytangibly
Perceptibly, physically present
accessibly · attainably · concretely · palpably · solidly
- elusive creatureHard-to-find animal