Word
allude
Phoneticsal·lude, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈɫud/
UK/ɐlˈuːd/
Definition
v. to mention something indirectly or to hint at it without saying it clearly. You use this when you want to talk about a topic without being direct.
v. to make an indirect or passing reference to something. Often used to hint at a sensitive or well-known subject without explicit mention.
Examples
“The author alludes to the king's secret in the first chapter.”
“The witness refused to answer the question directly but alluded to a conversation he had with the manager.”
“While the poet never names the specific historical event, he alludes to its impact through the imagery of a city in ruins and a silenced crowd.”
Examples
simple
“The author alludes to the king's secret in the first chapter.”
contextual
“The witness refused to answer the question directly but alluded to a conversation he had with the manager.”
complex
“While the poet never names the specific historical event, he alludes to its impact through the imagery of a city in ruins and a silenced crowd.”
Real-World Examples
“While urging her legions of fans not to speculate, Sakito alluded to Kuraki’s relationship with Taira.” “She decided to share a video online and many women contacted her with similar stories, alluding that this is a wider issue throughout Northern Ireland.” Etymology
From Middle French alluder, from Latin alludere (“to play with or allude”), from ad + ludere (“to play”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/allude