# illusion

/ˌɪˈɫuʒən/ (US) · /ɪlˈuːʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illusion
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. deceptive appearance

noun · CEFR B2

something that looks or feels different from what it really is.

For teachers: an instance of a sensory perception that causes a false interpretation of physical reality.

- The mirrors in the small hallway create the illusion of a much larger space.
- The desert heat created a shimmering optical illusion on the horizon, making the dry road appear as though it were covered in water.

### 2. false belief

noun · CEFR B2

a false idea or belief that you think is true.

For teachers: a persistent false belief or misconception regarding a situation or person.

- He was under the illusion that the job would be easy, but it was very hard.
- The administration maintained the illusion of progress despite mounting evidence that the project was failing to meet its primary objectives.

### 3. magician's trick

noun · CEFR B2

a clever trick performed by a magician to surprise an audience.

For teachers: a professional trick or effect performed by an entertainer to deceive the eyes of an audience.

- The magician performed a famous illusion where he appeared to float in the air.
- The stage production relied on sophisticated lighting and hidden mirrors to execute the complex illusion of the protagonist vanishing mid-sentence.

## Examples

- The magician creates the illusion of a floating person.
- The heat rising from the desert road created the illusion of a shimmering pool of water in the distance.
- While the politician maintained an illusion of unity within the party, private internal memos revealed a deep and growing divide among the senior leadership.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.