Alludes

Alludes is the third-person singular present tense of the verb allude. To allude is to refer to something indirectly or by suggestion rather than by explicit mention. In literature, discourse, and media, writers and speakers frequently allude to events, texts, or ideas to evoke associations without stating them outright.

Usage notes: Allude is typically followed by to, as in “The author alludes to a famous myth to enrich the theme.” The noun form is allusion, and the adjective form is allusive, meaning characterized by indirect reference or suggestion. Alluding relies on shared knowledge or cultural context, so the reader or listener is expected to recognize the reference.

Etymology and related forms: Allude comes from Latin alludere, from ad- “to” + ludere “to play.” Over time it entered English with the sense of “play toward” an idea or reference. Common related terms include allusion (the indirect reference itself) and allusive (titting that suggests rather than states).

Distinctions: Allude should not be confused with elude, which means to escape or avoid. Allude references are intentional and usually recognizable; elusion describes a subtle or evasive avoidance.

Examples: “The novel alludes to classical tragedy without naming it.” “Her remarks allude to a past controversy, inviting readers to recall the events.”

See also: allusion, allusive.