evasively

Everyday

In a way that avoids giving a clear, direct answer or avoids doing something. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories to show that a character is hiding something or does not want to say the truth: «Maybe,» he said evasively. Readers should notice: an evasive answer is a clue. From the verb «evade» (to escape or avoid).

Examples

• «I might have seen it,» he said evasively. tree →
• Toad answered evasively when the Badger asked about the car. tree →
• She looked away and spoke evasively. tree →
• When asked who broke the vase, the twins answered evasively. tree →
• The politician replied evasively to the question. tree →
• «Oh, somewhere,» said the Cat evasively. tree →
• He shrugged evasively and changed the subject. tree →

Note

Adverb of «evasive». Noun: evasion. Related verb: evade (evade a question, evade capture). It suggests the person is avoiding something on purpose.