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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
(ordered by category) Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Allude or Elude?
What Is the Difference between "Allude" and "Elude"?
The Quick Answer
Allude
(verb) "to refer to indirectly"- Did the boss allude to the pending merger?
Elude
(verb) "to avoid" or "to evade"- We must elude the cannibals by the river.
- The CEO will allude to your contribution during her speech.
- You must elude the dogs to have a chance of escaping.
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.

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