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
Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.
Question 1
The poet's subtle to Homer's epic rewarded only those readers already familiar with the ancient tale of wandering heroes.
Choose: allusion or illusion
Show answer
Answer: allusion
"____ to Homer's epic" that rewards knowing readers is an indirect reference = allusion; illusion (false impression) does not fit.
Question 2
The mirage shimmered convincingly on the horizon, an of cool water that dissolved the moment the exhausted travelers drew near.
Choose: allusion or illusion
Show answer
Answer: illusion
"mirage" and "dissolved the moment" they approached mark it as a false impression = illusion; allusion (a reference) is wrong.
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