Allusion vs Illusion
Allusion and illusion are two distinct words in the English language that can cause confusion when spoken quickly. Both words have completely different meanings, but they share the same Latin root, ludere, which means “to play.” The differences between the two words come from their prefixes: an- in allusion and in- in illusion.
What does Allusion mean?
Allusion refers to a hint or suggestion about something or someone in the past. It involves making an indirect or passing reference to something without explicitly mentioning it. The Oxford English dictionary defines allusion as “an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.” The word allusion has its origins in the mid-16th century.
What does Illusion mean?
Illusion refers to a deception or false impression, when something is perceived as something that it is not. The Oxford English dictionary defines illusion as “an instance of a wrong or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience.” The word illusion has its origins in Middle English. There are also phrases that use the word illusion, such as “be under the illusion that” (meaning “believe mistakenly that”) and “be under no illusion” (meaning “be fully aware of the true state of affairs”).
Key Takeaways
- Allusion and illusion sound similar but have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
- Allusion refers to making an indirect or passing reference to something or someone in the past.
- Illusion refers to a deception or false impression, when something is perceived as something that it is not.
