Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Illusive
Il-lu′sive
,Adj.
[See
Illude
.] Deceiving by false show; deceitful; deceptive; false; illusory; unreal.
Truth from
illusive
falsehood to command. Thomson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Illusive
ILLU'SIVE
,Adj.
While the fond soul,
Wrapt in gay visions of unreal bliss,
Still paints th' illusive form.
Definition 2024
illusive
illusive
English
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.
- Testing software completely is an illusive goal.
- 1912, Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage, Chapter 8
- […] he could not catch the illusive thing that had sadly perplexed as well as elevated his spirit.
Usage notes
- Often confused with elusive.
Synonyms
- (pertaining to an illusion): illusory
Derived terms
Translations
illusory — see illusory