Master confusing words with ease
Allude vs. Elude
Allude
/əˈluːd/Examples:
The song lyrics subtly allude to past heartbreaks.Her speech alludes to political tensions within the country.The book alludes to several historical events and figures.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Elude
/ɪˈluːd/Examples:
The solution to the puzzle continues to elude him.Success seems to elude the team this season.The details elude me at this moment in time.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Both allude and elude are verbs, but they serve very different functions in language.
- Allude is related to the word allusion, which means an indirect or passing reference, hinting at something rather than stating it outright.
- Elude has connotations of escaping or avoiding something to evade capture or understanding, like eluding a pursuer or a complex concept that eludes comprehension.
- A way to remember allude is to think of allusion – alluding is making a reference.
- Remember elude with the idea of escape – both start with an e.
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