Allude

/əˈluːd/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to refer to something indirectly; to make an implied or inferred reference.

In his speech, the senator alluded to the recent scandal without mentioning it by name.

to hint at or suggest something without explicitly stating it.

The author alludes to classic literature throughout the novel.

to mention something briefly and without going into detail.

She alluded to her past experiences, but did not expand on them.

to suggest or call attention to indirectly.

They alluded to the challenges ahead in their report.

From Latin 'alludere', meaning 'to play with, allude to.'

allude to

To refer to something or someone indirectly.

allude back

To reference something mentioned previously.

reference

The act of mentioning or alluding to something.

hint

A suggestion or indication that is not explicit.

To drop a hint without being direct.

He was alluding, but nobody really understood the reference.

To playfully suggest something.

She alluded to their secret plan during the conversation.