allude
[uh-lood]
- to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by to): He often alluded to his poverty.
- to contain a casual or indirect reference (usually followed by to): The letter alludes to something now forgotten.
Origin of allude
1525–35; < Latin allūdere to play beside, make a playful allusion to, equivalent to al- al- + lūdere to play
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.comhint, intimate, suggest.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for alluded
Contemporary Examples
He wrote that he deserved to die and alluded to a ominous plan that he had backed out of twice already.
She alluded to research on the topic, but did not provide any herself.
Olson and Taylor-Johnson have alluded to some of the complexities in the Scarlet Witch/Quicksilver relationship.
Obama alluded to his own 2009 speech in Cairo reaching out to the Muslim world to build a better future for all.
The penalty was what Kozlovsky alluded to without knowledge of its origin: 15 days in the clink, plus a fine.
Historical Examples
I have been compelled to believe he alluded to this unhappy woman.
The Last of the MohicansJames Fenimore Cooper
Not once since she began to get better, had Phemy alluded to her faithless lover.
Heather and SnowGeorge MacDonald
It is not, in fact, connected with the actual—tragedy to which you have alluded.
The AvengerE. Phillips Oppenheim
I ought before to have alluded to the works of the late G. Robson.
Modern Painters Volume I (of V)John Ruskin
Sir George alluded to themselves as "a band of devoted guerillas."
The Confessions of a Caricaturist, Vol. 1 (of 2)Harry Furniss
allude
- to refer indirectly, briefly, or implicitly
- (loosely) to mention
Word Origin
C16: from Latin allūdere, from lūdere to sport, from lūdus a game
confusable
Avoid confusion with elude
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for alluded
allude
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper