Allude

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

• prelude — an opening before the main event
• elude — escape by slipping away
• ludicrous — so silly it is hard to believe

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.