Skip to content

allusion

allusion

noun ah-lü-ZYOHN Rare
Communication Speech

Also means

hint

Usage Note

Allusion is used in the phrase faire allusion à ('to allude to' or 'to hint at'), which is the standard construction learners need. Unlike English 'allude', French relies on this noun phrase rather than a corresponding verb. The word appears across registers, from casual conversation to literary analysis, and always implies an indirect reference.

Examples

"Il a fait allusion à son passé difficile."

Natural Translation

He alluded to his difficult past.

Literal Translation

He made allusion to his difficult past.

Explore French by topic