Definition of Evade
Quick Meaning of Evade
To escape or get away from something or someone cleverly. To avoid doing something you should do.
Detailed Definition of Evade
To escape or avoid something by cunning or speed; to escape from a pursuer or obligation.
How to Pronounce Evade
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: ih-VAYD. The first vowel is a schwa sound (uh), and the second vowel is a long 'a' sound.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (EV-ayd) instead of the second. Correct: ih-VAYD.
Origin and Etymology of Evade
From Latin 'evadere' (to go out, escape). 'E-' (out) + 'vadere' (to go). Entered English in 15th century from legal and military contexts.
How to Use Evade in a Sentence
Each example shows “evade” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The suspect managed to evade police capture for several weeks.”
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“Companies sometimes evade taxes through complicated financial structures.”
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“He tried to evade responsibility by blaming his colleagues.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Evade
Common Synonyms for Evade
Smart Synonyms for Evade — When to Use Each
- escape
- General term; can be used in most contexts
- dodge
- More informal; suggests avoiding through quick action
- circumvent
- More formal; emphasizes avoiding through clever planning
Antonyms of Evade
Common Collocations with Evade
These phrases pair with “evade” in everyday English:
- evade taxes
- evade capture
- evade responsibility
- evade the question
- evade detection
Common Mistakes When Using Evade
Even fluent speakers slip up with “evade”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She evaded to escape the danger.
- ✓ Correct: She evaded danger by hiding.
- Why: 'Evade' is transitive; use 'evade + object'. Don't say 'evade to' or 'evade from'.
- ✗ Wrong: The criminal evaded the police.
- ✓ Correct: The criminal evaded police. / The criminal evaded the police officers.
- Why: Both are acceptable, but 'evaded police' (uncountable) is more common in news/formal writing.
- ✗ Wrong: They evades the work yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: They evaded the work yesterday.
- Why: Use past tense form for past actions; do not add "-s" to the past tense.
Words Confused With Evade
- Evade vs Elude: 'Elude' emphasizes escaping through cleverness or cunning; 'evade' is broader and includes avoiding obligations
Other Forms of Evade
Frequently Asked Questions About Evade
What is the meaning of "Evade"?
To escape or get away from something or someone cleverly. To avoid doing something you should do.
How do you pronounce "Evade"?
The IPA is /ɪˈveɪd/. Stress the second syllable: ih-VAYD. The first vowel is a schwa sound (uh), and the second vowel is a long 'a' sound.
What part of speech is "Evade"?
"Evade" is a verb at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Evade"?
Common synonyms include escape, avoid, dodge.
How do you use "Evade" in a sentence?
For example: "The suspect managed to evade police capture for several weeks."