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.
Origin of allusion
First recorded in 1540–50; Late Latin allūsiōn- (stem of allūsiō ), equivalent to allūs(us), past participle of allūdere (see allude; al- + lūd- “play” + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion
Allusion vs. IllusionAllusion and illusion can be mixed up by even a seasoned writer. Take a closer look at the differences between the two, so you won't be fooled again.
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Words related to allusion
quotation, connotation, remark, inference, suggestion, innuendo, citation, insinuation, imputation, mention, charge, indication, statement, intimation, denotation, implication, figure of speech, play on words
Cultural definitions for allusion
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.