allusion

See also: Allusion

English[edit]

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allusion

From Latin allūsiōnem, accusative singular of allūsiō (“the act of playing with”), from allūdō (“play with; allude”), from al-, combining form of ad (“to”), + lūdō (“play”): compare French allusion.

allusion (countable and uncountable, plural allusions)

An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned
- 2014, Kathleen Kuiper [editor], Classical Authors: 500 BCE to 1100 CE
  The influence of Lucretius on Virgil was pervasive, especially in Virgil's Georgics; and it is in clear allusion to Lucretius that Virgil wrote, “Happy is the man who can read the causes of things.”
- 1835, Joseph Smith, Jr., Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate
  We draw the conclusion then, that the very reason why the multitude, or the world, as they were designated by the Savior, did not receive an explanation upon his parables, was, because of unbelief. To you, he says, (speaking to his disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: and why? because of the faith and confidence which they had in him. This parable was spoken to demonstrate the effects that are produced by the preaching of the word; and we believe that it has an allusion directly, to the commencement, or the setting up of the kingdom in that age […]

indirect reference, hint

From Latin allūsiōnem, accusative singular of allūsiō (“the act of playing with”), from allūdō (“allude”).

allusion f (plural allusions)

allusion, innuendo
En parlant ainsi, il faisait allusion aux mœurs de son temps.
In speaking thus, he was alluding [literally making allusion] to the mores of his time.