Illusion vs Delusion
What’s the difference between them?
Illusion
Meaning:
something that is not real; wrong perception of reality.
Examples:
1. The magician's trick created the illusion of a rabbit appearing from a hat.
2. The sunset created a beautiful optical illusion of colorful ribbons in the sky.
3. His wealth was merely an illusion, as he was actually in debt.
Delusion
Meaning:
unrealistic belief or opinion that is held by a person despite evidence or facts that disprove it.
Examples:
1. His delusions of grandeur led him to believe he was invincible.
2. After research into the patient's history, it was determined that she was suffering from a delusional disorder.
3. The delusions persisted, despite multiple attempts to dissuade him from his false beliefs.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Illusion
1. Mirage
2. Hallucination
3. Fantasy
4. Optical illusion
5. Figment of the imagination
1. Reality
2. Truth
3. Veracity
4. Certainty
5. Honesty
Delusion
1. Misconception
2. Fancy
3. Notion
4. False belief
5. Phantasm
1. Clarity
2. Enlightenment
3. Accurate Perception
4. Objective Understanding
5. Clear Thinking
6. Rationality
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Illusion", "Delusion".
1. Illusion: An illusion is a false perception of reality.
2. A mnemonic phrase to remember illusion is: 'Illusion – I see something that's not really there!'
3. Delusion: A delusion is a false belief.
4. A mnemonic phrase to remember delusion is: 'Delusion – don't believe it's true!'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word ‘illusion’ be used?
The word ‘illusion’ is used to describe something that appears to exist but is actually false or unreal. It is often used in literature or other artistic expressions. It can also be used to describe a mistaken belief or opinion that is held by someone despite evidence to the contrary.
When is the appropriate context for using the word ‘delusion’?
The word ‘delusion’ is used in a situation where someone has a false belief about something that is firmly held despite evidence that suggests otherwise. It is often used to refer to a mental illness, such as a delusion of grandeur. It also may be used when someone is holding on to a belief despite clear evidence that it is incorrect.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word ‘illusion’ is pronounced ‘ih-loo-zhuhn’ while the word ‘delusion’ is pronounced ‘dih-loo-zhuhn’.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is to assume they are interchangeable. Although the words have similar meanings, they are distinct and should be used in different contexts. Additionally, many people pronounce the words incorrectly. It is important to remember that ‘illusion’ is pronounced ‘ih-loo-zhuhn’ and ‘delusion’ is pronounced ‘dih-loo-zhuhn’.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She had a false __________ that she could fly.
2. It was an __________ that the painting was worth more than it actually was.
3. His __________ that he could hear voices was a symptom of his mental illness.
4. The magician created a convincing __________ to wow the audience.
5. She was suffering from a __________ that her friend was in danger.
6. He had a misguided __________ that he had superpowers.
1. She had a false delusion that she could fly.
Explanation: A delusion is a false belief held by an individual, and as the sentence indicates that the belief is false, delusion is the correct word choice.
2. It was an illusion that the painting was worth more than it actually was.
Explanation: An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression, and in this case it is the impression that the painting is worth more than it actually is.
3. His delusion that he could hear voices was a symptom of his mental illness.
Explanation: A delusion is a false belief held by an individual, and as the sentence indicates that the belief is false, delusion is the correct word choice.
4. The magician created a convincing illusion to wow the audience.
Explanation: An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression, and in this case it is the impression created by the magician to wow the audience.
5. She was suffering from a delusion that her friend was in danger.
Explanation: A delusion is a false belief held by an individual, and as the sentence indicates that the belief is false, delusion is the correct word choice.
6. He had a misguided illusion that he had superpowers.
Explanation: An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression, and in this case it is the impression that he had superpowers, which is misguided.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
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.