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. correct tick

Illusion

(noun) "a false impression"
  • In the desert, the shimmering heat waves give an illusion of water. correct tick
allusion or illusion difference
"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. correct tick
  • (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. correct tick

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. correct tick
  • His consistent allusions to being so poor as a child are not in keeping with his brother's version of their childhood. correct tick
  • His statement was an obvious allusion to your complaint. correct tick
  • We must quote whenever we feel that the allusion is interesting, helpful, or amusing. correct tick (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. correct tick
  • Love can be magic, but magic can just be an illusion. correct tick (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. correct tick
  • (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. correct tick (Singer Paloma Faith)
author logo

This page was written by Craig Shrives.