evasion
6
6.6
- noun
- /ɪˈveɪʒən/
- The politician's speech was criticized for its evasions, which left many issues unaddressed.
- lies and evasions
- self-serving evasion
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Watch on YouTubeJohn, you're really offering us the option of a clever evasion that is, strictly speaking, true.
- John, you're really offering us the option of a clever evasion that is, strictly speaking, true.
Examples
-
A series of calls, faxes, and overnight letters to Fast-n-Tite was met by evasion.
Academic text (2011) -
There were no lies, no evasions, no room for anything except the pain and the anger.
Fiction book (2001) -
Do not allow him any room for evasion.
-
Forgive me, that sounds like an evasion.
-
So I think that's kind of an evasion of responsibility and decision making there.
-
I just want the truth for once... no evasion, no tact.
-
To congratulate ourselves, however, on our educated enlightenment is simply an evasion of the real truth.
Academic text (1997) -
Only specifics are an issue, and a flight into vague generalities is an evasion of issues.
Academic text (1992) -
Now is the time for speaking the blunt truth, not polite evasion. Abe was astounded.
Fiction book (1999) -
First, he underscored that delegation of authority is a way of evading accountability, an evasion that imperils liberty.
Academic text (2016)
Synonyms
12
6.1
A clever trick used to avoid answering a question
12
7.1
An action or statement that hides the real reason behind something
9
9.9
Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer
4
9.3
Language that hides the truth by using vague or confusing words
3
9.9
To avoid telling the truth by being vague or misleading
3
7.4
Avoiding giving a direct answer so people do not know what you really think
3
5.6
Avoiding responsibility or difficult questions by using tricks
2
8.8
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
2
8.2
A reply that does not clearly admit or deny an accusation
1
9.2
Using many words to avoid saying something directly
1
8.6
A reply that seems to say no but avoids saying yes or no
1
9.3
A reply that does not clearly say no when asked and seems like an admission
1
9.9
Talking in a roundabout way to avoid the main point
A short answer that avoids the question
Antonyms
Compounds
How Honest
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Evasion (like evade) comes from Latin e- 'out' and vadere 'to go', so it feels like 'moving away' from something. So an evasion in speech is an answer that 'moves away' from the truth instead of giving a clear reply.