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Allusion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allusion

[əˈluːʒn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in literature

An indirect or passing reference to a person, place, or thing, implying a deeper meaning.

Synonyms

citation, mention, reference.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allusion

Allusion is often used in literature or speech to refer indirectly to something, typically a cultural, literary, or historical reference. It requires the audience to understand the subtle implication without explicit explanation.

  • Her smile was an allusion to the Mona Lisa's mysterious expression.
  • The author made an allusion to Orwell's '1984' when discussing privacy concerns.
reference

Reference is used to indicate a relationship to something else, often providing additional context or sources. It can be used in academic, formal, and casual contexts and usually indicates that more information is available.

  • Her book includes references to many classical works of literature.
  • You can find more details about this topic in the references section of the document.
mention

Mention is used in both casual and formal contexts to refer to something briefly or without detailed discussion. It is often a simple way to bring something to attention.

  • In his speech, he made a mention of the new project but didn't elaborate on the details.
  • During the meeting, the manager made a brief mention of the upcoming changes.
citation

Citation is used in academic or formal writing to acknowledge the source of information or ideas. It is a direct mention of where the information came from, usually following specific formatting guidelines.

  • The research paper included citations from several renowned experts in the field.
  • You must properly include citations for all the sources you reference in your essay.

Examples of usage

  • The novel includes many allusions to Greek mythology.
  • Her speech was filled with allusions to famous historical figures.
Context #2 | Noun

in everyday language

A statement that hints at something rather than being direct.

Synonyms

hint, insinuation, suggestion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allusion

Use when making an indirect reference to something without mentioning it directly. Typically used in literature, speeches, and writing.

  • The novel's title is an allusion to Shakespeare's play
  • Her speech included an allusion to the historical events of the time
hint

Appropriate when giving a small piece of information or a clue, often subtly or gently. Common in everyday conversation.

  • She gave him a hint about his surprise party
  • The teacher dropped a hint about what would be on the test
suggestion

Used when proposing an idea or plan for consideration. Can be formal or casual.

  • Do you have any suggestions for improving the project? She made a suggestion to eat at the new restaurant
insinuation

Often used to suggest something bad or negative in a subtle or indirect way. Generally has a negative or critical connotation.

  • His comment was full of insinuations about her character
  • She took his words as a nasty insinuation

Examples of usage

  • His comments were seen as an allusion to his true feelings.
  • The painting is full of allusions to the artist's personal struggles.
Context #3 | Verb

in writing

To make an indirect reference to something.

Synonyms

hint at, refer to, suggest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
allusion

Used when you want to mention or reference something indirectly, usually in literature or conversations. It often assumes the listener or reader understands the reference.

  • The novel's title is an allusion to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.
  • During his speech, he made an allusion to a famous political scandal.
refer to

Used to directly mention or describe something or someone, usually in a straightforward and explicit manner.

  • She often refers to her university days as the best time of her life.
  • The document refers to several important research studies.
hint at

Used in casual or informal contexts to subtly suggest or indirectly indicate something.

  • He hinted at a possible promotion during the meeting.
  • Her smile hinted at a secret joy.
suggest

Used to propose an idea or mention something as a possibility in discussions or advice.

  • I suggest taking the earlier train to avoid traffic.
  • The evidence suggests that the theory could be correct.

Examples of usage

  • The author often alludes to Shakespeare in his works.
  • She cleverly alluded to the upcoming changes without revealing specifics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many poets use allusion to enrich their work by connecting it to historical events or famous stories.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often make allusions to myths and history, adding depth to the dialogue.

Pop Culture

  • Movies frequently use allusions to older films, which can be both a tribute and a way to create humor.
  • In music, artists may reference literature or historical figures in their lyrics to convey deeper meanings.

Psychology

  • Understanding allusions can enhance cognitive ability, as it requires making connections between different ideas.
  • Allusions can shape how we perceive stories or arguments by triggering existing knowledge in our brains.

Communication

  • In everyday conversation, making an allusion can create camaraderie by showing shared knowledge with the listener.
  • Allusions may be used to communicate complex ideas simply, as they rely on already familiar concepts.

Origin of 'allusion'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'alludere', which means 'to refer to' or 'to play with'.
  • The term came into English around the late 16th century, initially referring to casual or indirect references.

The word 'allusion' originated from the Latin word 'allusio', which means 'a play on words' or 'a reference'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. Allusions have been commonly used in literature, art, and everyday language to add depth and meaning to communication.

See also: alluding.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,111 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.