Commonly Confused Words: Allusion vs. Illusion

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What does each word mean?

An allusion is a passing and indirect reference to something. 

Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word.

Here is allusion used in some example sentences:

  • The film was full of allusions to Shakespeare’s plays. 
  • The teacher made allusions to other works of poetry in his lesson.

An illusion is an erroneous mental representation—when someone misinterprets something that they’ve seen or believes they have seen something that is not there.

Click here for the full Spellzone dictionary definition of the word. 

Here is illusion used in some example sentences: 

  • The magician’s trick was an illusion. 
  • Although the couple were going through a rough patch, they tried to create an illusion of happiness when in company.


Where does each word come from?

Allusion entered English in the 1540s when it meant ‘metaphor’ or ‘parable’. By the 1550s its meaning had evolved to ‘word play’ or joke’, and by the 1610s the word meant ‘passing or casual reference’.

Illusion dates to the mid-fourteenth century when it meant ‘mockery’ or ‘derision’. By the late-fourteenth century its definition had changed to mean ‘the act of delusion’ or ‘deceptive appearance or apparition’. 

Both words come from the Latin ‘ludere’ meaning ‘to play’.

 
Are there any tricks to help remember the difference between allusion and illusion?

  • Think of an illusion as a trick of the eye. Use eye to help you remember that illusion is spelt with the letter i.
     
  • Replace the word allusion with the word reference. Does your sentence make sense? If yes, allusion is correct. 

    For example:
     
    • The film was full of references to Shakespeare’s plays. 
       
    • The teacher made references to other works of poetry in his lesson.


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27 Jul 2020
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