Allude or Elude?

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What Is the Difference between "Allude" and "Elude"?

"Allude" and "elude" are easy to confuse because they sound similar. However, their meanings are quite different. "Allude" means "to refer to indirectly," and "elude" means "to avoid" or "to evade." For example:

• 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."
(The saying does not mention nature's power, but it offers a clue about nature's power. The saying alludes to nature's power.)
• "Forewarned is forearmed" alludes to the importance of being in control.
(It offers an indication about the importance of being in control.)
• The judge did not mention his previous crimes specifically, but he alluded to them in his summary.
(The judge hinted at previous crimes.)

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.
(They try to avoid 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.
(He used to avoid defenders. This should be "elude defenders.")

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