allude
To suggest or indirectly reference something without mentioning it explicitly
Examples
In a meeting
“The CEO alluded to upcoming changes without revealing specifics.”
Over coffee
“She keeps alluding to some surprise but won't tell me what it is.”
Why this word
refer
allude means to reference indirectly or by suggestion, while refer indicates direct, explicit mention
mention
allude implies subtle or indirect reference, while mention means to bring up directly and explicitly
hint
allude specifically means to make an indirect literary or cultural reference, while hint is more general about suggesting something indirectly
Usage tip
Use when someone is being indirect or subtle; don't confuse with 'elude' (to escape)
Etymology
Latin 'alludere' meaning 'to play with' (from 'ad-' toward + 'ludere' to play)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.