Alluder: meaning, definitions and examples

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alluder

 

[ əˈluːd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

suggest indirectly

To allude is to make an indirect reference to something, often in a subtle or casual way. It can involve mentioning a topic or idea without explicitly stating it. This technique is commonly used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations to invoke thoughts or emotions without direct elaboration. Alluding to something can enrich the meaning of a discussion by drawing on shared knowledge or experiences.

Synonyms

hint, imply, intimate, refer, suggest

Examples of usage

  • She alluded to the struggles of her youth in her speech.
  • The author alludes to historical events throughout the novel.
  • He alluded to his past achievements without boasting.
  • In her poem, she alludes to famous artworks.
  • The movie alludes to classic films without copying them.

Translations

Translations of the word "alluder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aludir

🇮🇳 संकेत करना

🇩🇪 andeuten

🇮🇩 menyebutkan

🇺🇦 натякати

🇵🇱 nawiązywać

🇯🇵 暗示する

🇫🇷 évoquer

🇪🇸 aludir

🇹🇷 ima etmek

🇰🇷 암시하다

🇸🇦 يومئ إلى

🇨🇿 naznačovat

🇸🇰 naznačovať

🇨🇳 暗示

🇸🇮 namigovati

🇮🇸 vísa

🇰🇿 сілтеме жасау

🇬🇪 მოწვევა

🇦🇿 işarə etmək

🇲🇽 aludir

Etymology

The word 'allude' originates from the Latin verb 'alludere', which means 'to refer to' or 'to play with'. This Latin term is made up of the prefix 'ad-', meaning 'to' or 'toward', and 'ludere', meaning 'to play'. The transition from Latin to Middle English saw the word adapt into the form 'alluden', which retained the original meaning of indirect or playful reference. By the late 16th century, 'allude' had entered Early Modern English, becoming more widely used in literature and rhetoric. The concept is deeply rooted in the practice of making references and weaving complex ideas together, which enriches discourse. Over centuries, it has maintained its essence of subtlety and indirectness, emphasizing the creative ways in which language can be used to connect ideas and themes.