What's the Difference Between 'Allude' and 'Elude'?
In this blog post we look at when to use allude and when to use elude.
'Allude' or 'Elude'?
"Allude" and "elude" are related, but they have slightly different meanings.
"Allude" means to suggest or hint at something indirectly, without stating it directly. For example, you might say "I'm not sure if I'll be able to come to the party, but I'll try my best" as a way of alluding to the fact that you might not be able to attend the party.
"Elude" means to avoid or escape from something or someone, usually by being clever or quick. For example, you might say "I tried to catch the mouse, but it kept eluding me" to describe how the mouse was able to avoid being caught.
So, in general, "allude" refers to making an indirect reference or suggestion, while "elude" refers to avoiding or escaping from something or someone.
Examples of Allude in a Sentence
Here are 10 example sentences using the word "allude":
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The politician was alluding to the corruption scandal in his speech, but he never mentioned it directly.
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The author alluded to the main character's tragic past, but we didn't learn the full story until later in the book.
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I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I alluded to the fact that I was busy without saying it directly.
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The director's new movie is alluding to the current political situation, but it's not a direct commentary on it.
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My sister's comment about the weather was really an allusion to the fact that she wanted to go on a hike.
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The comedian made an allusion to the latest celebrity scandal, but didn't mention any names.
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I don't want to be rude, so I'll just allude to the fact that I don't want to go to the party without saying it directly.
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The singer's lyrics are full of allusions to love and heartbreak, but they're not always easy to decipher.
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My boss's suggestion that I take some time off was an allusion to the fact that he wanted me to resign.
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The novelist's descriptions of the city were alluding to the fact that the main character was unhappy there, even though it wasn't stated directly.
Examples of Elude in a Sentence
Here are 10 example sentences using the word "elude":
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The thief tried to elude the police by running through the back streets, but they eventually caught him.
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The cat kept eluding me every time I tried to catch it, but eventually I was able to get it in a carrier.
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I tried to catch the butterfly, but it kept eluding me no matter how fast I ran.
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The suspect tried to elude the police by hiding in the woods, but they eventually found him.
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The answer to the puzzle seemed to elude me no matter how hard I tried to solve it.
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The bear was able to elude the hunters by running into the dense forest.
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The thieves tried to elude the security cameras by wearing masks, but they were eventually caught on surveillance footage.
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The deer kept eluding us every time we tried to catch it, but eventually we were able to track it down.
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The solution to the problem seemed to elude us no matter how hard we tried to find it.
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The robbers tried to elude the police by driving through back roads and alleyways, but they were eventually caught.
