Meaning
- Allude means to mention something indirectly, to hint at, or to make a passing reference to something without stating it explicitly.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (intransitive)
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Typical structure:
- allude to + noun/pronoun/idea = to hint at or refer indirectly to something.
Examples of usage in sentences often require the preposition “to.”
Common Phrases
- allude to a book
- allude to the past
- allude to a person’s achievements
- allude to a problem
Collocations
- verbs: subtly allude, clearly allude, indirectly allude
- nouns: allude to history, allude to rumors, allude to a situation
- adverbs: often allude, vaguely allude
Examples
- The teacher alluded to the upcoming exam but didn’t give details.
- In his speech, the mayor alluded to past economic challenges.
- She alluded to her childhood without going into specifics.
- The novel alludes to historical events of the 19th century.
- Without naming anyone, he alluded to a colleague’s mistake.
- The article alluded to corruption within the government.
- The comedian alluded to politics in a humorous way.
- Her story alluded to deeper personal struggles.
Synonyms or Related
- hint at
- refer to
- suggest
- imply
- touch on
Antonym
- state directly
- specify
- declare
- express clearly