How to Pronounce Elusive

To pronounce "elusive", say EL-us-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /iˈluːsɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

elusive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

7

Letters

/iˈluːsɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “elusive”

"elusive" has 4 syllables: el-us-iv-e. It rhymes with obtrusive and exclusive, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: illusive — easy to mix up when writing.

What does elusive mean?

adjective

  1. Evading capture, comprehension or remembrance.

    “The elusive criminal was arrested”

  2. Difficult to make precise.

    “A precise definition of diarrhea is elusive (Robbin's pathology, 8th ed)”

Hear “elusive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with elusive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

obtrusiveexclusiveintrusiveunobtrusiveconclusiveconduciveallusivereclusiveillusiveabusiveinclusivecollusive

Related words

evasivesubtleartfulimpalpableunidentifiablestealthdiscreetsneak

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "elusive"?▾

"Elusive" has 4 syllables: el · us · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "elusive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "elusive" is /iˈluːsɪv/.

What does "elusive" mean?▾

Elusive: Evading capture, comprehension or remembrance.

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