allusion

Meaning

An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.

Synonyms

reference

hint

mention

insinuation

suggestion

intimation

innuendo

inkling

implication

referent

referral

throwing in

utterance

indirect reference

acknowledgment

secret language

allegory

alluding

beck

citation

clue

cue

description

Translations

allusion

alusión

allusione

Anspielung

zinspeling

toespeling

Allusion

alusão

νύξη

al·lusió

υπαινιγμός

allusie

ima

allusion

Pronounced as (IPA)

/əˈlu.ʒən/

Etymology

Cognate with French: allusion

In summary

From Latin allūsiōnem, accusative singular of allūsiō (“the act of playing with”), from allūdō (“play with; allude”), from al-, combining form of ad (“to”), + lūdō (“play”): compare French allusion.