allusive

Allusive is an adjective describing language or style that makes indirect reference to another text, work, person, event, or idea. An allusive passage relies on readers recognizing the reference rather than having it explained outright; its meaning is often enriched by the context of what is alluded to. Allusive writing can create texture, depth, or resonance through familiar associations, while avoiding explicit exposition.

Etymology and scope: The term derives from allusion, from Latin alludere, meaning “to play with” or “to hint at.” It is commonly used in literary criticism, but also applies to film, visual art, and rhetoric, where pieces echo previous works or cultural touchstones.

Usage and examples: In poetry and prose, allusive writing invites interpretation by invoking myths, classical literature, historical events, or well-known works. For instance, a novel might reference Shakespearean motifs or biblical episodes in an allusive manner. The Waste Land, often described as highly allusive, blends numerous sources from different eras to resonate with modern dislocation. Critics may describe a filmmaker as allusive if the imagery or scene evokes other films or genres without direct quotation.

Nuance and related terms: Allusive should not be confused with elusive (hard to grasp or evasive) or illusion (a perceptual error). Related terms include allusiveness and allusively. In criticism, allusiveness can add richness but may also render a work opaque if the reader misses the references.

See also: allusion, intertextuality.