C2verbformallanguage
US/əˈluːd/
UK/əˈluːd/
to mention something in an indirect way, without talking about it directly
In context
In her speech, she alluded to the problems inside the company.
The song's title alludes to a famous line by Nguyễn Du.
He never said her name, but everyone knew who he was alluding to.
Words that go with allude
verb + preposition
- allude toThe film often alludes to classic Hong Kong cinema.
- allude to the factShe alluded to the fact that he had been late again.
adverb + verb
- briefly alludeThe report only briefly alludes to the safety concerns.
- repeatedly alludeThe novel repeatedly alludes to the author's own childhood.
- subtly alludeThe ad subtly alludes to an old folk tale.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He alluded the problem in his speech.Correct: He alluded to the problem in his speech.