Allude vs Elude
What’s the difference between them?
Allude
Meaning:
To suggest or hint at something indirectly.
Examples:
1. I didn't mean to allude to your past mistakes.
2. She alluded to a secret project she had been working on.
3. He alluded to a possible solution to the problem.
Elude
Meaning:
To avoid or escape from by cleverness or trickery.
Examples:
1. He was so quick that the police were unable to elude him.
2. The thief managed to elude capture for hours.
3. She was able to elude suspicion by staying quiet.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Allude
1. Hint
2. Suggest
3. Refer
4. Imply
5. Allusion
1. Explicitly state
2. Spell out
3. Discuss openly
4. Elaborate
5. Make clear
Elude
1. Evade
2. Flee
3. Skirt
4. Avoid
5. Dodge
1. Confront
2. Face
3. Engage
4. Pursue
5. Embrace
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Allude", "Elude".
1. 'Allude' is to make a reference to something.
2. 'Elude' is to avoid or escape from.
3, A mnemonic device you can use to remember the difference between the two words is to associate the word 'allude' with the phrase 'alluding to something', while associating 'elude' with the phrase 'eluding away'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'allude' should be used when making a casual or indirect reference to something without explicitly mentioning it. It is often used to suggest something without being too obvious about it. For example: 'He was alluding to the fact that he doesn't like the new policy'.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'elude' should be used when describing an attempt to avoid or escape from someone or something. For example: she tried to elude the press by leaving through a back door.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, elude is pronounced as /iˈluːd/, while allude is pronounced /eˈluːd/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is using 'elude' when they mean 'allude'. 'Elude' should only be used when describing an attempt to avoid or escape, while 'allude' should be used when making a casual or indirect reference. Another mistake is mispronouncing the words; they should both be pronounced with a long 'u' sound: /iːˈluːd/.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. He tried to ________ the police by taking a back alley route.
2. She ________ to her engagement when she refused to set a wedding date.
3. He used a metaphor to ________ to his feelings without explicitly stating them.
4. Despite all his efforts, he could not ________ the authorities.
5. His words ________ to a past experience they both shared.
6. She was able to ________ the attention of the press by remaining silent.
1. Elude
Explanation: To elude means to avoid, flee, or escape from. The gap in this sentence implies that the person is trying to avoid the police, which is why the word elude is the correct choice.
2. Allude
Explanation: To allude means to suggest without being explicitly stated. The gap in this sentence implies that she is suggesting something without actually saying it, which is why the word allude is the correct choice.
3. Allude
Explanation: To allude means to suggest without being explicitly stated. The gap in this sentence implies that he is using a metaphor to suggest his feelings without actually saying them, which is why the word allude is the correct choice.
4. Elude
Explanation: To elude means to avoid, flee, or escape from. The gap in this sentence implies that he is trying to avoid or escape from the authorities, which is why the word elude is the correct choice.
5. Allude
Explanation: To allude means to suggest without being explicitly stated. The gap in this sentence implies that his words are suggesting something without actually saying it, which is why the word allude is the correct choice.
6. Elude
Explanation: To elude means to avoid, flee, or escape from. The gap in this sentence implies that she is trying to avoid or escape from the attention of the press, which is why the word elude is the correct choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.