Allusion or Illusion?

search our site by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Allusion" and "Illusion"?

"Allusion" and "illusion" are easy to confuse because they sound similar. "Allusion" is an indirect reference to something. "Illusion" is a false impression. For example:

• In his speech, Toby made an allusion to his own work.
(This means that Toby didn't talk about his own work directly but referred to it indirectly.)
• 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)

Read also about "allude" and "elude."

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.
(This means "I fully understand 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)

Ready for the Test?