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alusión

ah-loo-syohnaluˈsjon

“alusión” means “allusion” in Spanish (an indirect reference).

allusion

Also: hint, reference
NounfB2formal
A shadow of a majestic lion cast on a wall by a small house cat sitting on a rug.

📝 In Action

Él hizo una alusión a su antiguo trabajo durante la cena.

B1

He made a hint about his old job during dinner.

La película tiene muchas alusiones a los libros de historia.

B2

The movie has many references to history books.

Pido la palabra por alusiones personales.

C1

I ask for the floor to respond to personal remarks.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • referencia (reference)
  • indirecta (hint)
  • mención (mention)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer alusión a – to make reference to
  • alusión velada – veiled reference
  • alusión directa – direct reference

Idioms & Expressions

  • por alusiones – Responding when someone mentions you in a public debate or meeting.

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: alusión

Question 1 of 3

Which word usually follows 'alusión' when connecting it to a topic?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
aludir(to allude) — Verb
alusivo(allusive) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
ilusiónpasióndecisión
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'allusio', which literally means 'playing with' or 'a game'. It describes the way a speaker plays with meanings without saying them plainly.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: allusionFrench: allusion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'alusión' the same as 'ilusión'?

No! Although they sound similar, 'alusión' is a reference or a hint, while 'ilusión' is an illusion, a dream, or excitement.

Is it a formal word?

Yes, it is quite formal. In everyday conversation, people usually say 'una indirecta' for a hint or 'mencionar' for mentioning something.

Can I use 'alusión' for a direct reference?

Yes, but usually it implies that the reference was brief or slightly indirect. If someone talks about something for a long time, 'referencia' is better.