English vocabulary · B2
Delusion
/dɪˈluːʒən/ · n.
It means a false belief someone holds as true.
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Example sentences
- Her fame was a delusion after one small show.
- His delusion cost him his job.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — away (from Latin)
- lud — play (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- illusion (misinterpreting what the senses show)
- error (a mistaken belief can be corrected)
- myth (a false belief is widely shared)
Words with the same root
ludere — play
- illusion — a false image that plays tricks on the mind
- ludicrous — so unreasonable it seems like a joke
- prelude — an introduction that plays before the main event
Lesson notes
Delusion. It means a false belief someone holds as true. The mind trusts it, even when real facts say no.
Similar words are illusion, error, and myth. Use delusion when a false belief feels true.
Her fame was a delusion after one small show. His delusion cost him his job.
De means away. Lud means play. A delusion is the mind playing away from truth.