Allusion - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An allusion is an indirect reference to a person, event, or work of art, often used to convey deeper meaning or evoke shared knowledge without explicit explanation.
Definition:
An indirect reference to something, often a literary or historical work.
Synonyms:
reference, hint, implication, suggestion
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
explicit statement, direct mention
Common Collocations:
literary allusion, subtle allusion, biblical allusion, cultural allusion, historical allusion
Derivatives:
allusive, allusively
Usage Tips:
Use "allusion" when referring to an indirect mention rather than a direct quote or explanation.
Common Phrases:
make an allusion to, thinly veiled allusion, classical allusion
Etymology:
From Latin "allusio," meaning "a playing with," derived from "alludere" (to play with).
Examples:
- 1. The poem contains an allusion to Greek mythology.
- 2. Her speech included a subtle allusion to Shakespeare's works.
- 3. He made an allusion to the event without naming it directly.
- 4. The novel's title is an allusion to a famous proverb.