allusion
gb/əlˈuʒən/ us/əlˈuʒən/
C1
English
~ 5700
utalás, célzás, allúzió, irodalmi utalás
NOUN
C1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes an allusion to [something]
The novel is full of allusions to Greek mythology.
A regény tele van görög mitológiai utalásokkal.
His comment about "big brothers watching" was an allusion to Orwell's 1984.
A „nagy testvérek figyelnek” megjegyzése Orwell 1984 című regényére való utalás volt.
The speech contained a veiled allusion to the recent scandal.
Her choice of song at the party was an obvious allusion to their breakup.
The headline’s allusion to "Watergate" suggested a serious political cover-up.
Learner examples
The teacher made an allusion to a famous movie.
A tanár utalást tett egy híres filmre.
In his story, there is an allusion to the Bible.
A történetében van egy utalás a Bibliára.
Her joke was an allusion to something that happened yesterday.
The writer uses many allusions to old stories.
I did not understand his allusion because I did not know the book.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "allusion" with "illusion". "Allusion" is an indirect reference to something, while "illusion" is something that looks real but is not (for example, a magic trick). Another mistake is thinking an allusion is any mention; it must rely on the listener or reader recognizing what is being referred to without it being named directly.
Meaning
indirect reference to something
Collocations
make an allusion
|subtle allusion
|veiled allusion
|biblical allusion
|cultural allusion
|indirect allusion
Synonyms
indirect reference (More explicit and descriptive; often used as a clear explanation of what an allusion is.)
|
hint (More general and informal; suggests a light or vague suggestion, not always to a specific known text or idea.)
Antonyms
explicit statement (Expresses the opposite idea of saying something indirectly; the information is given clearly and directly.)
|
direct reference (Means openly naming or identifying the person, text, or idea instead of suggesting it indirectly.)
Themes
communication
|literature
|media
|arts_entertainment
|education
Definition
A way of talking about something by mentioning it indirectly, without saying its name, and expecting people to understand the reference.
An indirect or passing reference to a person, event, text, or idea, usually made without naming it directly, because the speaker or writer expects the audience to recognize it.
C1
LITERARY
2
allúzió
C1
Usage pattern:
[a text] contains an allusion to [a work/person/event]
Shakespeare’s plays are rich in classical allusions that reward knowledgeable readers.
Shakespeare darabjai tele vannak olyan klasszikus allúziókkal, amelyeket a tájékozott olvasók értékelnek igazán.
The poem’s allusion to Dante adds depth for readers who know The Divine Comedy.
A vers Dante-ra tett allúziója mélyebb jelentést ad azoknak az olvasóknak, akik ismerik az Isteni színjátékot.
In the exam, we had to identify and explain three allusions in the passage.
Modern songwriters often use biblical allusions to create strong emotional effects.
The critic argued that the novel’s allusions are essential to understanding its political message.
Learner examples
In literature class, we studied allusion as a literary device.
Irodalomórán az allúziót mint irodalmi eszközt tanultuk.
The teacher showed us an allusion in the poem to another book.
A tanár megmutatta nekünk a versben egy másik könyvre tett allúziót.
This story uses an allusion to a famous myth.
Good readers can see many allusions in classic books.
Our homework was to find one allusion in the short story.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes treat "allusion" as if it were a direct quote or detailed summary. In literary analysis, an allusion is usually short and indirect, and it does not retell the original story. Another mistake is calling any reference to another work an allusion, even when it is named clearly; in that case it is a direct reference, not an allusion.
Meaning
literary device of indirect reference
Collocations
literary allusion
|mythological allusion
|historical allusion
|intertextual allusion
|classical allusion
Synonyms
intertextual reference (More technical and academic; emphasizes the relationship between texts rather than general indirectness.)
|
literary reference (Broader term; can include both direct and indirect references in literature, not only allusions.)
Antonyms
explicit description (Opposes the idea of a compact, indirect literary signal by spelling out details clearly.)
Themes
literature
|education
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Definition
A special tool that writers use when they refer to another book, story, person, or event in an indirect way, expecting the reader to know it.
A literary or rhetorical device in which a text indirectly refers to another text, person, event, or cultural element, assuming the reader will recognize and interpret the reference.
Grammar
Dictionary form
allusion
IPA
GB/əlˈuʒən/
US/əlˈuʒən/
Syllables & stress
al - lu - sion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: allusion
- Plural: allusion, allusions
Word family
Forms
allusions
noun
Core family
allude
verb C1
allusive
adjective
Related words
allusively
adverb
Advanced or less common
allusiveness
noun
Expressions
a veiled allusion to
1/ə vˈeɪld əlˈuʒən tə/
fixed phrase
a hidden indirect reference to
An allusion that is not clear or open, but hidden and hard to see; you must think carefully to understand what it refers to.
Examples
- Her remark was a veiled allusion to his recent promotion.
- Many saw the painting as a veiled allusion to government censorship.
- The joke contained a veiled allusion to their past argument.
by allusion to
1/bˈaɪ əlˈuʒən tə/
fixed phrase
formal
in the manner of indirect reference
In a way that indirectly refers to a person, text, or idea, instead of naming it directly.
Examples
- The title works by allusion to a popular television show.
- The brand name was chosen by allusion to a famous scientist.
- The slogan operates by allusion to a well-known political phrase.
make an allusion to
1/mˈeɪk ən əlˈuʒən tə/
fixed phrase
to refer to something indirectly
To talk about a person, book, event, or idea in an indirect way, without saying its name, expecting others to understand.
Examples
- In her speech, she made an allusion to the company’s past mistakes.
- The article makes an allusion to a famous court case without naming it.
- He often makes allusions to classic films when he teaches.