allusive vs elusive
allusive
Definitions
adjective
- characterized by indirect references
Examples
Mann says it's a strange thing with the fulfilment of prophecies, they often confirm themselves allusively rather than literally.
A fair portion of contemporary poetry over-relies on self-reflexive irony, tonal detachment, and an often irritating allusive erudition.
A species of Ling is called sometimes the burbot, but it lives in fresh water; and this is also called the coney fish, and supposed to be allusive in the following arms.
elusive
Definitions
adjective
- difficult to describe
- skillful at eluding capture
- difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
- making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe
Examples
Music is too elusive an art to be quantified in this way.
Agreement about periodization, however, remains both fraught and elusive.
Wednesday's win was a pleasing, restorative result at a time when it was badly needed, but it would be delusive to read too much into it.
