English vocabulary · C1
Allude
/əˈluːd/ · v.
To allude to something is to name it only indirectly. You leave a clue for the other person to understand.
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Example sentences
- Her speech alluded to the scandal.
- The painting alludes to a myth.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- lud — play (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HINT — give a small clue (Give A Small Clue)
- IMPLY — mean without saying (Mean Without Saying)
- SUGGEST — offer an idea (Offer An Idea)
Words with the same root
lud — play
Lesson notes
To allude to something is to name it only indirectly. You leave a clue for the other person to understand.
Related: hint, imply, suggest. Use allude when you point without naming.
Her speech alluded to the scandal. The painting alludes to a myth.
From Latin. Lud- means play. Play around a hidden name without ever saying it: that is allude.