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Allude or Elude?
Allude or Elude?
What is the difference between "allude" and "elude"?- "Allude" means "to refer to indirectly."
- "Elude" means "to avoid" or "to evade."


Allude
"To allude" means "to refer to indirectly." The verbs "to allude" and "to mention" are close in meaning, but "to allude" is less direct. It can be translated as "to hint at" or "to offer an indication about."Here are some examples of "allude" in sentences:
- This Chinese saying alludes to nature's power: "A spark can start a fire that burns the entire prairie."
- "Forewarned is forearmed" alludes to the importance of being in control.
- The judge did not mention his previous crimes specifically, but he alluded to them in his summary.
Elude
"To elude" means "to avoid," "to evade," or "to escape from."Here are some examples of "elude" in sentences:
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid try to elude capture.
- If you want something, it will elude you. If you do not want something, you will get ten of it in the mail.
(Author Anna Quindlen)
- Peter Beardsley used to allude defenders with his trademark foot shuffle.
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?