Meaning & use
allusive
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivecomparable
Containing indirect references to other things, especially to famous works or events.
Grammar: Used to describe writing, speech, or style; often followed by 'of' or 'to'.
Patterns
- allusive of something
- allusive to something
Her poetry is highly allusive, full of references to Greek myths.
The novel's allusive style makes it difficult for readers who don't know the Bible.
His speech was allusive rather than direct, hinting at problems without naming them.
Word forms
| comparative | more allusive |
|---|---|
| superlative | most allusive |
Common combinations
- highly allusive
- The poem is highly allusive and requires careful reading.
- allusive style
- Her allusive style appeals to well-read readers.
- allusive reference
- The title is an allusive reference to a Shakespeare play.
Synonyms and how they differ
- suggestive
- Suggests something indirectly but not necessarily a specific reference; 'allusive' implies a known source.
- indirect
- Simply not direct; 'allusive' is more specific about making references.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: allusive or elusive? allusive or illusive?
allusive vs elusive
Elusive means hard to find or catch; allusive means full of references.
allusive vs illusive
Illusive means deceptive or unreal; allusive is about references.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'allusive' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Allusive means making indirect references, so 'made us think of famous historical events' fits. The other options confuse it with 'elusive' (hard to catch) or 'illusive' (deceptive).
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “allusive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.