allusion
/əˈluːʒ(ə)n
/noun
1An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference: an allusion to Shakespeare a classical allusion...
- We are a people of messages and signals, of allusions and indirect expression.
- It is the allusions and references that lend charm to this art form.
- It's interesting to see how many references or allusions to these festivals remain in contemporary Britain.
Synonyms
reference to, mention of, comment on, remark about, citation of, quotation of, hint at, intimation of, suggestion of;
implication, insinuation
1.1 [mass noun] The practice of making allusions: the use of allusion...
- With its emphasis on personification and topical allusion, allegory has a long association with political discourse.
- I'm making the really clear case that I know the difference between evidence and what is allusion and assertion and the rest.
- Such Biblical allusion was in stark contrast to the welter of less printable comments being bellowed by the faithful.
Origin
Mid 16th century (denoting a pun, metaphor, or parable): from French, or from late Latin allusio(n-), from the verb alludere (see allude).