ILLUSIVE

illusive, illusory

(adjective) based on or having the nature of an illusion; “illusive hopes of finding a better job”; “Secret activities offer presidents the alluring but often illusory promise that they can achieve foreign policy goals without the bothersome debate and open decision that are staples of democracy”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

illusive (comparative more illusive, superlative most illusive)

Subject to or pertaining to an illusion, often used in the sense of an unrealistic expectation or an unreachable goal or outcome.

Usage notes

• Often confused with elusive.

Synonyms

• (pertaining to an illusion): illusory

Source: Wiktionary


Il*lu"sive, a. Etym: [See Illude.]

Definition: Deceiving by false show; deceitful; deceptive; false; illusory; unreal. Truth from illusive falsehood to command. Thomson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

6 June 2025

PUNGENCY

(noun) wit having a sharp and caustic quality; “he commented with typical pungency”; “the bite of satire”


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Coffee Trivia

Decaffeinated coffee comes from a chemical process that takes out caffeine from the beans. Pharmaceutical and soda companies buy the extracted caffeine.

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