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allusion

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The definition of an allusion is a statement that hints at something rather than being direct.

(noun)

Saying to someone, "boy you look really tired, have you been getting enough sleep" instead of telling someone they look old because of wrinkles under their eyes is an example of an allusion.

See allusion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act of alluding
an indirect reference; casual mention

Origin: LL allusio, a playing with < allusus, pp. of alludere: see allude

See allusion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The act of alluding; indirect reference: Without naming names, the candidate criticized the national leaders by allusion.
An instance of indirect reference: an allusion to classical mythology in a poem. See Usage Note at allude.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin allūsiō, allūsiōn-, a playing with

Origin: , from Latin allūsus

Origin: , past participle of allūdere, to play with; see allude

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