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Illusory vs Illusive - What's the difference?

illusory | illusive | Synonyms |

Illusive is a related term of illusory.

Illusive is a synonym of illusory.



As adjectives the difference between illusory and illusive

is that illusory is resulting from an illusion; deceptive, imaginary, unreal while illusive is subject to or pertaining to an illusion, often used in the sense of an unrealistic expectation or an unreachable goal or outcome.

illusory

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Resulting from an illusion; deceptive, imaginary, unreal
    • Enron's profits were all illusory .

    Related terms

    * illusion * illusionary * illusive

    illusive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • 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.
  • *
    • 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

    * illusively * illusiveness