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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
Allusion or Illusion?
What Is the Difference between "Allusion" and "Illusion"?
The Quick Answer
Allusion
(noun) "an indirect reference"- Simon didn't blame you directly, but his speech made an allusion to your strategy being flawed.
Illusion
(noun) "a false impression"- In the desert, the shimmering heat waves give an illusion of water.

- In his speech, Toby made an allusion to his own work.
- It's not an oasis but an illusion.
More about "Allusion" and "Illusion"
The nouns "allusion" and "illusion" sound quite similar, and they both have connotations of intangibility. As a result, they are sometimes confused by writers.Allusion
The noun "allusion" denotes a subtle or indirect reference to something (i.e., a hint at something). It derives from the verb "to allude."Example sentences with "allusion":
- The Simpsons is full of allusions to well-known films.
- His consistent allusions to being so poor as a child are not in keeping with his brother's version of their childhood.
- His statement was an obvious allusion to your complaint.
- We must quote whenever we feel that the allusion is interesting, helpful, or amusing.
(Author Clifton Fadiman)
Illusion
"An illusion" is a false impression or deception.Example sentences with "illusion":
- The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge. (Historian Daniel J. Boorstin)
- It gives the illusion of floating in space.
- Love can be magic, but magic can just be an illusion.
(Noah's grandson Javan)
"Under No Illusion" or "Under No Allusion"?
The term "under no illusion" or "under no illusions" means "to be fully aware of the situation." ("To be under no allusion" is wrong.)Example sentences with "under no illusion":
- I am under no illusion how much work is required.
- I'm under no illusion that there are things about me that I'd like to change. I just accept who I am, and I'm proud of it.
(Singer Paloma Faith)
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