Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “allusion” come from?

Allusion comes from Latin allusionem, noun form of alludere meaning "to play with or jest at," from ad- "to" and ludere "to play."

allusion (English): An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to...

Definitions

  1. An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to...

Ancestry of “allusion”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Latinallūsiō—
2Latin-tiō—
3Latindissertātiō—
4Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
5Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
6Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
7Latincalceusshoe
8Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
9Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble
Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ →