EVASIVENESS Meaning and
Definition
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Evasiveness refers to the act or quality of intentionally avoiding giving a direct or honest answer or response, particularly when faced with questions or situations that may be uncomfortable, challenging, or confrontational. It involves the deliberate attempt to be elusive, ambiguous, or vague in order to sidestep accountability, responsibility, or scrutiny.
An individual displaying evasiveness often employs various tactics to deflect or divert attention from the topic at hand. Such tactics may include offering evasive or incomplete answers, providing vague statements, changing the subject, using ambiguous or overly technical language, or employing diversionary tactics such as humor or sarcasm. Evasive behavior is typically employed in order to protect oneself, avoid potential consequences, maintain privacy, or manipulate a situation to one's advantage.
Evasiveness can be observed in interpersonal interactions, public discourse, legal proceedings, political debates, and other contexts involving communication. It can be frustrating and challenging to deal with evasive individuals, as their unwillingness to provide direct and straightforward answers can hinder effective communication, hinder progress, and erode trust.
In summary, evasiveness describes the deliberate and calculated act of avoiding clarity or directness in one's communication or actions. Whether used as a defense mechanism or as a means of manipulation, evasiveness undermines transparent communication and accountability.
Common Misspellings for EVASIVENESS
Etymology of EVASIVENESS
The word "evasiveness" is derived from the noun "evasion", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "evasio". "Evasio" is the past participle of the Latin verb "evadere", which is a combination of the prefix "e-" (meaning "out") and the verb "vadere" (meaning "to go"). Thus, the literal meaning of "evadere" is "to go out" or "to go away". Over time, "evadere" developed the figurative sense of avoiding or escaping something, which gave rise to the noun "evasio", meaning "an act or instance of evasion". The suffix "-ness" is then added to create the noun form "evasiveness", which refers to the quality or state of being evasive.
Idioms with the word EVASIVENESS
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Evasiveness
The idiom "evasiveness" refers to the act of avoiding or dodging a question, topic, or situation deliberately. It involves being vague, ambiguous, or evading straightforward answers or explanations.
Similar spelling words for EVASIVENESS
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