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Definition of allude

allude

/əˈluːd/
al · lude
Adverb:allusively
•
Adjective:allusive
•
Past Simple:alluded
•
Past Participle:alluded
•
Present Participle:alluding
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allude Lexical Profile

allude Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at without mentioning explicitly (usually followed by 'to').

Example

"During her lecture, the professor briefly alluded to recent breakthroughs in renewable energy."

2

To make a covert or passing reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art or literature.

Example

"The novelist frequently alludes to classical mythology throughout the opening chapters."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for allude

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'allude' (to refer to indirectly, always followed by 'to') with 'elude' (to escape from or evade).

• Rhymes for allude

• Nearby Words

alloy
allsorts
allspice
allude
allure
allurement
alluring

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin 'alludere' ('to play with' or 'to jest at'), formed from 'ad-' ('to') and 'ludere' ('to play').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Allude. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/allude
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