eluded
word · lemma: elude
Definition
If something or someone eluded you, you could not catch, find, understand, or achieve it, even though you tried.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for things like 'the answer eluded me' (could not understand), or for people/animals escaping capture ('the thief eluded the police'). Slightly formal. Often used with abstract things (success, sleep).
Spanish: eludir - escapar de - evitarPortuguese (BR): escapar - iludir - evitarPortuguese (PT): escapar - iludir - evitarChinese (Simplified): 躲避 - 逃脱 - 避免Chinese (Traditional): 躲避 - 逃脫 - 避免Hindi: चूकना - बच निकलना - टालनाArabic: تهرّب من - أفلت من - تجنّب
Example Sentences
The thief eluded the police for weeks.
basic
Sleep eluded me last night.
basic
The answer eluded him during the test.
basic
Success has always eluded her despite her hard work.
natural
He tried to explain, but the meaning eluded me.
natural
Every time I tried to catch the cat, it eluded me effortlessly.
natural