by Brinda Junkere

Created on: February 17, 2010

Words that sound similar sometimes pose difficulties in usage. The words ‘elude, illude and allude’ are one such example. As similar as these words may sound, they are entirely different in meaning. A thorough understanding of the meaning of each would dispel the confusion.

The word ‘elude’ is a verb which means ‘to evade, or to avoid capture’. It also means ‘to escape the understanding or perception of ’. Here are a few sentences to illustrate this meaning.

            The fugitive eluded the police though they searched every possible hide out.

            The memory of the assailant’s face completely eluded the victim.

‘Allude’ on the other hand, is pronounced differently from ‘elude’ is totally dissimilar in meaning. Allude is pronounced with the sound of letter a while elude is pronounced with the long sound of e. Also, allude means ‘to refer to indirectly’.  Examples for usage of the word allude are as follows.

In his speech, he alluded to being wealthy by talking about the number of charities he supports and the amounts that he contributes to each.

The principal alluded to the teachers who are always late without calling names.

Consequently, from the meanings given, it can be established that there is no connection between the two words. There is the misconception that these words are homophones but this is absolutely wrong. Homophones are words which sound the same but in this case, allude begins with the sound of the letter a while elude begins with the sound of the letter e.

Another word which has been part of the confusion is illude. Some sources have declared that illude is not a word. However, other sources have attached a meaning to this word. According to these sources, illude is a verb which means ‘to deceive’. From this word come the noun illusion and the adjective illusive. An illusion is a false impression, something imaginary.

Interestingly though, the words elude and illude are homophones, they both begin with the letter sound /i/. However, it is important to be clear of the meaning needed when using these words. Context is very important if referring to hopes and dreams which can be illusive or elusive. Elusive can be in the sense that our dreams are escaping us or are not within our grasp. While illusive means that we are

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