noun

illusion

ih-LOOZHN

noun

A false or misleading impression created by something that appears real.

"The mirrors created the illusion of a much larger room."

"He was under the illusion that the deal was already finalised."

A magic trick performed to deceive an audience.

"The magician's final illusion left the whole theatre gasping."

How to Use Illusion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that looks or feels real but isn't — a trick of perception, belief, or stagecraft.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "allusion" (an indirect reference) — they sound alike but mean completely different things.

Easily confused with

allusion delusion →

Common pairings

optical illusion under the illusion shatter the illusion

illusions plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

The mirrors created the _____ of a much larger room.

From Old French illusion, from Latin illudere, "to mock or trick" — in- ("upon") + ludere ("to play").

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