Is it "elusive," "illusive," or "allusive"?

The words "elusive," "illusive," and "allusive" look and sound alike but have very different meanings. From something hard to catch, to an illusion, to a subtle reference, let's find out how each one works and how to use them correctly.

Elusive

"Elusive" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is hard to find, catch, or achieve. It often carries a sense of mystery or difficulty. Here are some examples of how "elusive" is used:

"The solution to the problem is elusive."

"The elusive thief has managed to evade capture for months."

"The answer to the puzzle was elusive, no matter how hard we tried."

"The rare bird is known for its elusive nature."

Illusive

"Illusive" describes something deceptive or based on an illusion. It suggests that something isn't what it seems or is rooted in a false perception. Here are some examples:

"He spent years chasing the illusive dream of fame and fortune."

"The oasis in the desert turned out to be illusive."

"The shadows formed an illusive shape on the wall."

"The magician's trick created an illusive sense of floating."

Allusive

"Allusive" refers to making allusions or indirect references. It describes speech or writing that hints at something without stating it directly. Here are some examples:

"Her poetry is deeply allusive."

"Tom's allusive speech included references to Martin Luther King Jr."

"The novel is allusive to 19th-century politics."

"His allusive remarks referred to a song we all know."

Want to learn more? Get a better grip on these words with our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs.