evasively
- adverb
- /ɪˈveɪsɪvli/
- The director rose and talked to us a little evasively.
- said evasively
- answered evasively
- replied evasively
Examples
-
"I believe that's what you believe happened," Robert said evasively.
Fiction book (1991) -
"You'll have to ask the secretary of state," Lewis replies evasively when asked if the progress report is good enough to avoid further government intervention.
Academic text (2010) -
"Still trying to figure that out," he answered evasively.
Fiction book (2001) -
"I might have," Alex answered evasively.
Fiction book (2000) -
" I think I must have met you years ago," Sara said evasively.
Fiction book (1993) -
"The more important question right now," Tressalian answered evasively, "is, what is your government doing?"
Fiction book (2000) -
When she confronted him, Michael said evasively, "Hell, Corinne, a man can always use a lawyer."
Fiction book (1997) -
"She's not in town," he evasively replied.
Fiction book (1994) -
"I'm not sure," Laurie said evasively.
Fiction book (1992) -
"I don't want to talk about it," she said evasively when asked about her plans.
Synonyms
In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else
Speaks in a careful way that avoids a clear answer
In a way that avoids clear answers or direct information
In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information
Antonyms
How Evasive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Evasively comes from the verb evade, from the old Latin evadere made of e- 'out' and vad- 'go', so it meant 'to go out' or 'escape'. So, to answer evasively is to 'escape' a direct answer or avoid giving a clear reply.