allusion
Definitions
An indirect or passing reference to a person, event, or work.
暗指，间接提及；典故。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedad-/al- (toward) + lus (play, past-participle stem) + -ion (act) = 'a playing toward something without naming it.' The noun of allude — an indirect reference, very common in literature, where an allusion points to another text, myth, or event the reader is expected to recognize.
Root lud still carries 22 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.literary allusion文学典故
- 2.biblical allusion圣经典故
- 3.historical allusion历史典故
- 4.make an allusion to暗指……
Example Sentences
- 1.
The title is an allusion to a famous biblical passage.
- 2.
Critics praised the novel's rich literary allusions.
- 3.
His speech contained a veiled allusion to the scandal.
Easily Confused
allusion vs illusion — sound-alikes from the same root family but opposite ideas: an allusion (al- = toward) is an indirect reference, a hint pointing toward something; an illusion (il- = at/on) is a false image that fools the senses. A poem makes allusions; a magician creates illusions.