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

Historical records allude to cities in the region, he said, but the team did not expect to find a 12-hectare medieval city some 2,200m above sea level.

From BBC

Smith had a strict policy of not reading her reviews — and never used the internet — learning what was written about her only when her husband, Beverley Cross, the late playwright, would allude to it after he scoured every line.

From Los Angeles Times

But back in March, after two of Diddy’s homes were raided, Blige posted a cryptic note that appeared to allude to the mounting allegations against Combs and tried to distance herself from his legal woes.

From Los Angeles Times

His songs allude to anxiety about his success — “Break the rules, cross a line, make a mess / This could be the only chance that you get,” he sings on “Let It Burn.”

From Los Angeles Times

Conservatives like Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, allude to Harris's "radical" policies, from gun control to environmental protections.

From Salon