How to pronounce allusion
Say it like uh-LOO-zhun. Allusion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce allusion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LOO
- zhun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Allusion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- zhunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of allusion
American and British speakers say allusion in essentially the same way: /əˈluʒən/ in the US and /əˈluːʒən/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-LOO-zhun.
What does allusion mean?
- An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.
Where does allusion come from?
From Latin allūsiōnem, accusative singular of allūsiō (“the act of playing with”), from allūdō (“play with; allude”), from al-, combining form of ad (“to”), + lūdō (“play”): compare French allusion.
Words that rhyme with allusion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of allusion.
Questions about saying allusion
How do you pronounce allusion?
Say uh-LOO-zhun. The American pronunciation is /əˈluʒən/. In British English it is /əˈluːʒən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in allusion?
Allusion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LOO). Broken into parts: uh · LOO · zhun.
Do Americans and Brits say allusion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈluʒən/ and the British form is /əˈluːʒən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.