English pronunciation · Words Starting with E
Elusive Pronunciation
Elusive is pronounced i-LOO-siv, IPA /ɪˈlusɪv/.
i-LOO-siv
US /ɪˈlusɪv/ · UK /ɪˈluːsɪv/
Syllables: i · LOO · siv (3 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Hard to find, catch or pin down.
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Elusive in a Sentence
- A second goal proved elusive.
- The otter is elusive even on this stretch of river.
- Sleep was elusive the night before the interview.
Common Mispronunciations of Elusive
Not EE-loo-siv
The opening e is a light i, and the beat comes next on LOO. Starting with a full ee makes the word top heavy.
Not i-LOO-ziv
The s stays voiceless. With a z it drifts towards illusive, which is about illusions rather than about being hard to catch.
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