View synonyms for allusion

allusion

[ uh-loo-zhuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication:
The novel's title is an allusion to Shakespeare.
the act of alluding; the making of a casual or indirect reference to something:
The Bible is a fertile source of allusion in art.
Obsolete. a metaphor or parable.

allusion

/ əˈluːʒən /

noun

the act of alluding
a passing reference; oblique or obscure mention

allusion

An indirect reference to some piece of knowledge not actually mentioned. Allusions usually come from a body of information that the author presumes the reader will know. For example, an author who writes, “She was another Helen,” is alluding to the proverbial beauty of Helen of Troy .

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Other Words From

preal·lusion noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of allusion¹

First recorded in 1540–50; Late Latin allūsiōn- (stem of allūsiō ), equivalent to allūs(us), past participle of allūdere ( allude; al- + lūd- “play” + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

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Word History and Origins

Origin of allusion¹

C16: from Late Latin allūsiō, from Latin allūdere to sport with, allude

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Example Sentences

AUSTIN, Texas — With an opening allusion to Robert Altman’s 1992 classic “The Player,” Apple TV+’s new comedy “The Studio” tees up an age-old subject — how the Hollywood sausage is made — for the 21st century.

From Los Angeles Times

There are some allusions to Mark’s skill in the show.

From Salon

The film, a sequined hat on a hat on a hat, can feel a bit overburdened by literary allusions.

From Los Angeles Times

That was the morning’s first allusion to the fire and evacuations.

From Los Angeles Times

And you include a couple of allusions to that in the story.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

quotation

alluring allusive

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