Avoid vs. Evade

synonyms

both verbs mean to stay away from something but they are used in different contexts which we are going to discuss in this lesson

What is the difference between 'avoid' and 'evade'?

Both 'avoid' and 'evade' mean to keep away from someone or something. However, 'evade' has a more specific sense of trying to escape or hide from someone or something, while 'avoid' simply means to stay away from a person or situation. This lesson will further clarify this difference.

Context of Use

'Avoid' means to intentionally stay away from or prevent encountering something undesirable or unwanted or stop oneself from doing something harmful. It involves taking measures or making choices to keep oneself clear of a particular person, situation, action, or object to prevent negative consequences or unwanted outcomes. While 'evade' also means to stay away from something, it has a more specific meaning and refers to trying to escape or hide from something, particularly something you are supposed to do or deal with, such as an obligation, responsibility, a question, or pursuit, especially through cleverness or deceit. It implies a more deliberate or strategic act of avoiding something, often by using tactics. Here are some examples:

I avoid crowded places to minimize the risk of getting sick.

To prevent accidents, drivers should avoid using their phones while driving.

'Avoid' can refer to choosing not to do something. In this case it is not interchangeable with 'evade'.

The suspect managed to evade the police by hiding in an abandoned building.

The politician evaded questions about the controversial topic during the press conference.

When referring to something you are supposed to deal with, 'evade' is not interchangeable with 'avoid'.

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