Illusion
easyih-LOO-zhun
noun
Definition
A false idea or belief; a deceptive appearance
Examples
“The oasis was merely an illusion caused by the heat.”
“She harbored no illusions about the difficulty of the task.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Illusion is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "delusion" or "mirage" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "reality".
Related GRE Words
apparent
Clearly visible or understood; seeming real or true but not necessarily so
bogus
Not genuine or true; fake
evident
Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood
astute
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
acute
Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; sharp or severe
artifice
Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially to deceive; trickery
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