Allusion vs Illusion
allusion
an indirect reference
illusion
a false impression
How to tell them apart
ALLusion = you cALL out to something indirectly (a reference). ILLusion = your eyes are ILL/tricked (a false image). ALL points elsewhere; ILL fools you.
Test yourself
Fill in the blank: “Only one of these words means an indirect reference. That word is ______.”
Choose: allusion or illusion
Show answer
Answer: allusion
Allusion means an indirect reference, which matches an indirect reference. Illusion means a false impression, so it is the wrong choice here.
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