GATE ME 2015 Set 3 — Question 3

Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumVocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)Verbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Vocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Choose the statement where underlined word is used correctly.

Correct answer (B) When the thief keeps <u eluding</u the police, he is being elusive. Solution The question tests the correct usage of the words 'elude', 'elusive', 'allude', and 'allusive'. Elude : To escape from or avoid a danger, enemy, or pursuer, typically in a skillful or cunning way. Elusive : Difficult to find, catch, or achieve. Allude : To suggest or call attention to something indirectly; to refer to. Allusive : Containing suggestions or indirect references. Let's analyze each option: (A) When the teacher eludes to different authors, he is being elusive. The correct word should be 'alludes'. The teacher is referring to or mentioning authors, not escaping from them. So, this statement is incorrect. (B) When the thief keeps eluding the police, he is being elusive.'Eluding the police' means escaping from the police, which is a correct use of the word. A person who is difficult to catch is described as 'elusive'. Therefore, a thief who keeps escaping the police is elusive. This statement uses both words correctly. (C) Matters that are difficult to understand, identify or remember are allusive . The correct word here is 'elusive'. Matters that are difficult to grasp or remember are elusive, not allusive. 'Allusive' means containing indirect references. So, this statement is incorrect. (D) Mirages can be allusive, but a better way to express them is illusory. Mirages are optical illusions, so they are 'illusory'. They are not 'allusive' as they don't make indirect references. The statement itself points out that 'illusory' is a better word, implying 'allusive' is not the right fit. So, the use of 'allusive' is incorrect. Therefore, the only statement where the underlined word is used correctly is (B). Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

Review answer and solution without JavaScript

Interactive answer checking needs JavaScript. The published solution is available below.

Correct answer (B) When the thief keeps <u eluding</u the police, he is being elusive. Solution The question tests the correct usage of the words 'elude', 'elusive', 'allude', and 'allusive'. Elude : To escape from or avoid a danger, enemy, or pursuer, typically in a skillful or cunning way. Elusive : Difficult to find, catch, or achieve. Allude : To suggest or call attention to something indirectly; to refer to. Allusive : Containing suggestions or indirect references. Let's analyze each option: (A) When the teacher eludes to different authors, he is being elusive. The correct word should be 'alludes'. The teacher is referring to or mentioning authors, not escaping from them. So, this statement is incorrect. (B) When the thief keeps eluding the police, he is being elusive.'Eluding the police' means escaping from the police, which is a correct use of the word. A person who is difficult to catch is described as 'elusive'. Therefore, a thief who keeps escaping the police is elusive. This statement uses both words correctly. (C) Matters that are difficult to understand, identify or remember are allusive . The correct word here is 'elusive'. Matters that are difficult to grasp or remember are elusive, not allusive. 'Allusive' means containing indirect references. So, this statement is incorrect. (D) Mirages can be allusive, but a better way to express them is illusory. Mirages are optical illusions, so they are 'illusory'. They are not 'allusive' as they don't make indirect references. The statement itself points out that 'illusory' is a better word, implying 'allusive' is not the right fit. So, the use of 'allusive' is incorrect. Therefore, the only statement where the underlined word is used correctly is (B).

Continue learning with Success Tracker

A step still unclear? Work through it with support

Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE ME question to check your understanding.

AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans

PYQs with solutions: Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
Practice that adapts: Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
AI doubt support: Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.

Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.

Start with a free account View plans and allowances

This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.

GATE ME 2015 Set 3 — Question 3

Question

Correct answer

Solution

A step still unclear? Work through it with support

More questions on Verbal Aptitude