allude to
allude to — phrasal verb
- allude tobase form
- alludes to3rd person singular
- alluding to-ing form
- alluded topast simple
1. to speak about someone or something in a way that is not direct or explicit, oft
to speak about someone or something in a way that is not direct or explicit, often by referring to them without saying their name or describing the situation openly.
Asher did not name anyone, but everyone knew he was alluding to the leader's mistake.
inseparable: allude + to + [topic/issue]
In her farewell speech, Noa alluded to the financial difficulties the school was facing.
The old article alluded to tensions within the government, though it never named any officials.
Walid said some people lack the skills for this job — I think he was alluding to me.
Her memoir repeatedly alludes to a difficult childhood, but she keeps the details vague.
- refer to
More direct and neutral; 'refer to' can state something clearly, whereas 'allude to' implies deliberate indirectness.
- hint at
More informal and suggests the speaker leaves clues for the listener to figure out.
- imply
Suggests that the meaning is carried by the words themselves rather than by a deliberate, vague reference.
- insinuate
Carries a negative connotation — suggests something unpleasant or critical in a sly, underhanded way.
- state directly
To express something clearly and explicitly, without vagueness.
- declare
To announce something in a formal, open manner.
文法句型
allude + to + noun/noun phrase
用法筆記
Somewhat formal in register; far more common in written or formal spoken English than in everyday casual conversation. The verb is always followed by the preposition 'to' before the object — it cannot take a direct object without 'to'.