allude
/əˈluːd/
Group 33Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at GRE
Example in Context
The speech alluded to past failures without naming specific individuals, a diplomatic choice that allowed the audience to draw its own conclusions.
Synonyms
hint atrefer tosuggest
Etymology
To play with hints or suggestions, rather than stating directly.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- ludere (Latin) — to play
Memory Aid
🚽Sounds like “a looed”
In a bathroom, a sneaky ghost says 'A LOOED!' and hints to where the treasure is buried!
Visual Association
🤫A magician waving a silk scarf while subtly pointing to a hidden rabbit in the hat.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “allude” mean on the GRE?
allude (verb) means “To suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at”. The speech alluded to past failures without naming specific individuals, a diplomatic choice that allowed the audience to draw its own conclusions.
How to remember “allude” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “allude” sounds like “a looed”. In a bathroom, a sneaky ghost says 'A LOOED!' and hints to where the treasure is buried!
What are synonyms for “allude”?
Common synonyms: hint at, refer to, suggest.