Confusing Words: Allusion (noun/verb) and Illusion (noun).
Meaning:
Allusion (an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference).
Illusion (an instance of a wrong or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience.)
Allusion vs Illusion Clarification: Both words are pronounced in a similar manner but they carry different meanings.
Allusion vs Illusion – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Do words of English language create muddle? Do some words of English language sound alike but having different meanings?
These words are said to be one of the most confusing terms of English language. Let us check whether the correct word is allusion or illusion.
If you give both of these words a closer look, you will notice that there is only one-letter difference between allusion and illusion. The initials are different and the rest of the letters are similar to each other.
This is the reason that they are creating problems among writers. If you quickly speak out these words, they could sound similar. But in fact, both of these words have slightly different pronunciations.
Allusion is pronounced with initial –a whereas, illusion is pronounced with the initial –i. So, there is a slight difference in terms of pronunciation but still these both words are taken as confusing words.
Unlike their sounds, the meanings of allusion and illusion are very different. In terms of funtion, both words are used as noun indicating different meanings.
Continue reading to find out their meanings and examples. I am sure that after reading the whole post, you will get enough idea about the correct usage of allusion and illusion.
Definitions and Examples of Allusion and Illusion
As I mentioned above that allusion and illusion are both correct words but you have to remember that both are having different meanings. That is why, you have to be careful in using these words.
Allusion
This word is used as a noun. Do you remember the word ‘allude’? Allusion is, in fact, the noun form of the verb ‘allude’. Both of these words denote ‘a hint to something’.
The noun allusion is defined as ‘an indirect reference to something’. It means that if someone does not want to mention something directly, he/she can use this allusion to mention in an indirect manner. Allusion is usually used by the writers and can be found in books, t.v shows, songs etc.
1. I made an allusion in my book to allude my friend’s personal life.
2. In Paradise Lost, John Milton used three allusions: one to Abdiel , one to the Greek Myth ‘The Horae’, and one to Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’.
3. The Simpsons is full of allusions to well-known films.
Illusion
Like allusion, illusion is also used as a noun. This is a quite different noun than allusion. Illusion is misleading or deceptive. It is synonymous to an appearance which is not true or can be called as a false or wrong belief. For instance, magicians create illusions by tricks. ‘A dove came out of a hat’ is an illusion created by many magicians. It is, for sure, a false belief as there ie nothing truth in this kind of act. This particular word is not only for the magicians but it can be used to hide the truth in general.
Let us see how we can use the word ‘illusion’ in sentences.
1. He always makes an illusion that he is a very rich person.
2. The magician surprised us with some awesome illusions.
3. In short, the owners felt they were trading their right to privacy for the mere illusion of greater safety. Reference – (grammarist.com)
I hope that the above discussion is enough for you to understand the correct usage of both of these words, allusion and illusion.
Check Out: Difference Between Allude and Elude.
What Did You Learn?
Allusion and illusion are two such words that are often confused by many people. They have different meanings and spellings. You have to use each word correctly.
Allusion is a noun means an indirect reference to something.
Illusion, on the other side, is a noun too which is synonymous to an appearance which is based on false belief.