Allusion (en. Allusion)

/aly.zjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Implicit reference to a person, event, or work.

The author alludes to mythology in his novel.

L'auteur fait une allusion à la mythologie dans son roman.

Smile or subtle comment that doesn't say everything.

His speech contained an allusion to his rivalry with another politician.

Son discours contenait une allusion à sa rivalité avec un autre politicien.

Evocation of what is known without explicitly naming it.

In his painting, there is an allusion to war.

Dans son tableau, il y a une allusion à la guerre.

From the Latin 'allusio', meaning 'the act of making an allusion'.

to allude to

Mentioning or referencing something indirectly.

faire allusion à

hidden allusion

Subtle or implicit reference to something.

allusion cachée

any allusion to

Specification that no reference should be understood literally.

toute allusion à

evoke

To call upon memories or images.

évoquer

suggest

To insinuate or allude to something without stating it clearly.

suggérer

mention

To speak briefly about something.

mentionner

To give a wink to

He winked at his criminal past in his song.

Il a fait un clin d'œil à son passé criminel dans sa chanson.

To throw in a hint

She threw in a hint that he doesn't work hard enough.

Elle a balancé un sous-entendu sur le fait qu'il ne travaille pas assez.