evasion
- noun
- /ɪˈveɪʒən/
- 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.
- John, you're really offering us the option of a clever evasion that is, strictly speaking, true.
Examples
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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.
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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
An action or statement that hides the real reason behind something
Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer
A clever trick used to avoid answering a question
Language that hides the truth by using vague or confusing words
To avoid telling the truth by being vague or misleading
Avoiding giving a direct answer so people do not know what you really think
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
A reply that does not clearly admit or deny an accusation
Using many words to avoid saying something directly
A reply that seems to say no but avoids saying yes or no
Avoiding responsibility or difficult questions by using tricks
A reply that does not clearly say no when asked and seems like an admission
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.