Illusion: meaning, definitions and examples

An illusion is a misleading visual or perceptual experience, making something appear different from what it actually is. Used in both everyday conversations and scientific contexts.

• The magician created an illusion that made the rabbit disappear.
• The mirror created an illusion of a larger room.

A delusion is a strongly held belief that is false and outside of reality, often used in psychological or medical contexts. It often implies a mental disorder or irrational belief.

• He lived under the delusion that he was invincible.
• Despite the evidence, she clung to her delusion that she could fly.

A hallucination is seeing, hearing, or sensing something that is not actually present. Commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing mental states.

• The patient reported experiencing vivid hallucinations.
• Lack of sleep can sometimes cause hallucinations.

A mirage is an optical illusion, especially one in desert or hot conditions where water appears to be present. Often used in literature or conversation to describe something that seems real but isn’t.

• The travelers saw a mirage of an oasis in the distance.
• The offer of a dream job turned out to be a mirage.

A phantasm is something that exists only in one's mind, often used in literary or philosophical contexts. It can refer to ghosts or supernatural appearances.

• He chased phantasms that haunted his dreams.
• The story was filled with strange phantasms and dark visions.

Used when referring to a misleading visual or sensory perception, or a false belief or idea.

• The magician's trick created the illusion of a floating object

Appropriate when talking about an act intended to make someone believe something that is false, often with negative connotation.

• He was arrested for deception after he lied about his identity

Used for a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking or understanding.

• There is a common misconception that all outdoor cats are happier than indoor ones

Used when discussing a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments or reasoning.

• The argument that more expensive products are always better is a fallacy

Describes an imaginary scenario, often exciting or unlikely to happen in real life.

• She loves reading books that are set in magical fantasy worlds