rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryalludeIndirect reference
verb

allude

uh-LOOD/ʌlˈud/

To refer indirectly to something.

The speaker alludes to a childhood adventure without describing the treehouse directly.

Speaker indirectly evokes a shared childhood adventure with small thought image of old treehouse.
Etymology
alLatintoward
+ludeLatinto play

The “play” root appears in a Latin verb meaning “jest” or “make fun of.” English also used it for pointing to something in passing, the basis of today’s indirect-reference sense.

In context

History Hit25:07
a shape that seems to allude to classical design. This one reminds me of it's as if [music] it's a upside down Corinthian capital from ancient Rome or ancient Greece.
The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries and Artefacts of Recent Years | Full Series

More examples

  • Her letter alluded to difficulties at work.
  • The poem seems to allude to an ancient myth.
  • He keeps alluding to a surprise he refuses to explain.

Forms

allude · alludes · alluded · alluding

allusion noun — An indirect reference to someone or something.

Similar words

mention
Can name something explicitly rather than referring indirectly.
hint
May suggest an unstated possibility rather than invoke something known.