illusion
illusion Lexical Profile
illusion Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A deceptive appearance or false sensory impression that misleads the perception of a real external stimulus.
"The tall vertical mirrors on the walls were strategically placed to create the illusion of a much larger room."
A mistaken belief, false idea, or overly optimistic conception about a situation or state of affairs.
"After reviewing the company's declining financial statements, the board was under no illusion about the difficulty of the upcoming quarter."
A magic trick or staged spectacle that appears to defy physical laws through sleight of hand or specialized apparatus.
"The magician concluded the evening performance with an elaborate illusion in which an entire locomotive seemed to vanish from the stage."
A very fine, sheer, delicate net fabric or tulle used primarily for bridal veils and evening gowns.
"The dressmaker bordered the neckline of the silk gown with a delicate layer of ivory illusion."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with the near-homophone 'allusion' (an indirect reference to something) and 'delusion' (a persistent false belief held despite strong contradictory evidence, often in a psychiatric context, whereas an 'illusion' is typically a sensory misperception or a fleeting false impression).
• Rhymes for illusion
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century via Old French from Latin 'illusio' ('a mocking, irony, or deceit'), a noun of action from 'illudere' ('to mock at or play with'), combining 'in-' ('against, upon') and 'ludere' ('to play').