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Illusion - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An illusion is a false perception or deceptive appearance, often tricking the senses or mind into believing something that is not real. It can be created by magic, art, or natural phenomena.

illusion

/ɪˈluʒən/ /ɪˈluːʒən/

Definition:

A false perception or deceptive appearance, often mistaken for reality.

Synonyms:

delusion, mirage, fantasy, hallucination

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

reality, truth

Common Collocations:

optical illusion, create an illusion, shatter the illusion, under the illusion

Derivatives:

illusory, illusionist

Usage Tips:

Use "illusion" to describe something that appears real but is not; avoid confusing it with "delusion," which implies belief.

Common Phrases:

smoke and mirrors, labor under the illusion, break the illusion

Etymology:

From Latin "illusio," meaning mockery or deceit; later evolved to mean deceptive appearance in English.

Examples:

  • 1. The magician created a stunning illusion of a floating ball.
  • 2. She was under the illusion that he loved her truly.
  • 3. The desert heat produced a mirage—a common optical illusion.
  • 4. His confidence was just an illusion hiding deep insecurities.

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