allude

[ uh-lood ]

verb (used without object)

, al·lud·ed, al·lud·ing.

1. to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed by to ):

   He often alluded to his poverty.

2. to contain a casual or indirect reference (usually followed by to ):

   The letter alludes to something now forgotten.

allude

/ əˈluːd /

verb

1. to refer indirectly, briefly, or implicitly
2. (loosely) to mention

Usage

See elude

Other Words From

• pre·al·lude verb (used without object) prealluded prealluding

Word History and Origins

Origin of allude¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin allūdere “to play beside, make a playful allusion to,” equivalent to al- al- + lūdere “to play”

Word History and Origins

Origin of allude¹

C16: from Latin allūdere, from lūdere to sport, from lūdus a game

Example Sentences

“I don’t put that on anybody,” Cronin said, alluding to the need for everybody on his team to be a stopper.

From Los Angeles Times

In some cases, as Lummis alludes to, parents were forced to sign away their rights to their children for as long as the government chose to hold them.

From Los Angeles Times

At a meeting into the blast at Bedford Borough Hall on Tuesday night, some residents alluded to the fact that people had refused to sign the new letters.

From BBC

Trump’s fellow Republicans have alluded to yet others.

From Los Angeles Times

“The only thing I don’t like is the left-handed hook,” Cronin said, alluding to his misses with that hand.

From Los Angeles Times