Evasives

Evasives (plural noun) are statements, actions, or strategies designed to avoid, dodge, or escape a situation, question, or issue, especially by being ambiguous, indirect, or cleverly deceptive. This can involve intentionally withholding information, changing the subject, or using vague language to sidestep a direct confrontation or response. The purpose is often to delay, deflect, or altogether avoid addressing a subject or responsibility. Evasives can range from harmless attempts to avoid embarrassment to more calculated maneuvers to conceal truth or manipulate perceptions. The effectiveness of Evasives lies in their ability to appear superficially compliant while subtly avoiding a true commitment or exposure. They represent a communicative tactic frequently employed when directness is perceived as unfavorable or risky.

Evasives meaning with examples

• During the interview, the politician's consistent use of Evasives regarding their campaign finances frustrated the journalist, who struggled to obtain a straight answer. They carefully avoided specifics, instead offering broad generalities and shifting the focus to other unrelated topics, further fueling suspicion. Despite repeated questions, the details remained elusive.
• When questioned about the missing evidence, the suspect employed a series of Evasives, claiming memory lapses and focusing on irrelevant details. The lawyer was trying to determine if his client had anything to hide. The investigators recognized the tactic immediately and attempted to counter it with even more specific questions that targeted the lies. They continued to try to pin him down.
• The student's Evasives when asked about their late homework assignments suggested that they were unprepared and attempting to buy time. Their responses were filled with excuses, such as technical difficulties and conflicting commitments. The professor immediately sensed insincerity, knowing that such responses usually implied that the work had not yet been started.
• In negotiations, the company representative resorted to Evasives about the company's environmental record, carefully omitting the negative impact the production was having in the area surrounding the production facility. They dodged specific inquiries about pollution levels and instead emphasized their overall commitment to sustainability, offering a deceptive message. The group felt that they were playing games.