éluder

Senses

1. 1.

   to evade, to dodge

   to skillfully avoid or escape from (a question, responsibility, etc.)

2. 2.

   to elude, to escape

   to get away from; to slip away from the grasp or understanding of

3. 3.

   to shirk

   to avoid or neglect (a duty or obligation)

Examples

• "Il a éludé la question du journaliste en changeant de sujet."

  He dodged the journalist's question by changing the subject.

• "Elle ne peut pas éluder ses responsabilités éternellement."

  She cannot evade her responsibilities forever.

• "Le sens de ce poème m'a longtemps éludé."

  The meaning of this poem eluded me for a long time.

Usage

Common in formal and written French. Often used with questions, duties, or abstract concepts (like truth or meaning). Not to be confused with *élucider* (to clarify/elucidate), which is its semantic opposite.