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evasion

evasion

12 6.6
An indirect statement that hides an unpleasant truth
  • noun
  • /ɪˈveɪʒən/
translation icon : evasiva
  • The politician's speech was criticized for its evasions, which left many issues unaddressed.
  • lies and evasions
  • self-serving evasion

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

smokescreen
vsevasion
9 7.1

An action or statement that hides the real reason behind something

is focused on one avoiding statement rather than a broader concealment tactic
equivocation
vsevasion
  • Formal
9 9.9

Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer

is about avoiding an unpleasant truth without necessarily using clear ambiguity to deceive
dodge
vsevasion
8 6.1

A clever trick used to avoid answering a question

is an indirect statement avoiding an unpleasant truth, not necessarily a trick
doublespeak
vsevasion
  • Literature
6 9.3

Language that hides the truth by using vague or confusing words

is a single evasive statement rather than a systematic language practice
prevarication
vsevasion
  • Formal
3 9.9

To avoid telling the truth by being vague or misleading

is about one indirect statement that skirts an unpleasant fact rather than broad lying
evasiveness
vsevasion
3 7.4

Avoiding giving a direct answer so people do not know what you really think

focuses on a single statement avoiding an unpleasant truth rather than a habit
indirection
vsevasion
2 8.8

Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct

is specifically one statement that avoids a painful truth rather than general indirectness
evasive answer
vsevasion
  • Jargon
2 8.2

A reply that does not clearly admit or deny an accusation

is a single indirect statement avoiding an unpleasant fact beyond legal reply
circumlocution
vsevasion
1 9.2

Using many words to avoid saying something directly

is a concise evasive statement that avoids truth without long wording
non-denial denial
vsevasion
  • Literature
1 8.6

A reply that seems to say no but avoids saying yes or no

is a broader indirect statement that avoids the unpleasant truth, not just seeming denial
dodging
vsevasion
1 5.6

Avoiding responsibility or difficult questions by using tricks

is about sidestepping an unpleasant truth in a statement rather than tricking overall
nondenial
vsevasion
  • Literature
1 9.3

A reply that does not clearly say no when asked and seems like an admission

intentionally avoids an unpleasant truth without implying admission
circumambulation
vsevasion
  • Formal
9.9

Talking in a roundabout way to avoid the main point

is a single evasive remark rather than a repeated roundabout speech pattern
quick deflection
vsevasion
7.3

A short answer that avoids the question

is an indirect statement that avoids an unpleasant truth, not only a quick reply

Antonyms

365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

6 3.4

Honest, clear words and actions that say exactly what you mean

Compounds

tax evasion
  • Formal
32 5.3

Not paying taxes on purpose by hiding income or lying to tax officials

How Honest

evasion
12 6.6
half-truth
16 6.7
lie
2.7

Surface Forms

evasion singular
evasions plural

Morphology

evasion = evade (transparent) = evade + sion

This sense (an evasive statement) is a direct nominalization of 'evade' meaning an instance of avoiding directness; the relation is semantically clear.

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.