Difference between Allusion and Illusion?

Answer 1

Dictionary definition:
Illusion:
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin illusion-, illusio, from Latin, action of mocking, from illudere to mock at, from in- + ludere to play, mock -- more at LUDICROUS
1 a obsolete : the action of deceiving b (1) : the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : MISAPPREHENSION (2) : an instance of such deception
2 a (1) : a misleading image presented to the vision (2) : something that deceives or misleads intellectually b (1) : perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature (2) : HALLUCINATION 1 (3) : a pattern capable of reversible perspective
3 : a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses


Illusion can also be a false impression, as in...

"I was under the illusion that to win the game, one must play by the rules."

I have no false illusions. (I see clearly.)

al·lu·sion
Pronunciation: &-'lü-zh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin allusion-, allusio, from Latin alludere
1 : an implied or indirect reference especially in literature; also : the use of such references
2 : the act of alluding to or hinting at something
- al·lu·sive /-'lü-siv, -ziv/ adjective
- al·lu·sive·ly adverb
- al·lu·sive·ness noun

Allusion is a reference, as in...
He alluded to the ticket. (He referred to the ticket.)

Artistically, an allusion is some reference, either tacit or very overt, in one work of art to some other work of art. Allusions can occur in pretty much any art form, whether visual, literary or musical. An allusion can also be made in an art of one medium to an art in another medium - for example, a painting can include an allusion to a famous novel or poem. Any time you see a parody, the parody is alluding to the original. Like...how many times have you seen that painting of the stern looking country couple in American Gothic (by artist Grant Wood) parodied as some other couple?
http://cc.ysu.edu/~satingle/AmSt%202601/parodies.htm
(x-files)
http://www.southstreetgallery.com/PaintYourPet/ECedrone,American%20Gothic%20II,%208x10.jpg
(pets)
http://www.dogmountainband.com/images/american_gothic.jpg

Answer 2

Illusion is thinking you see something that isn't really there. Allusion is to allude to a passage from a book , a line in a script, etc.

Answer 3

Illusion is a (usually) visual deception. Allusion is an implication or a reference.

Answer 4

Allusion is to refer to something or intimate a comparison or reference. As in, "My fiance alluded to a prior affair."

An "illusion" is visual. As in, "Did I just see a ghost or was it an illusion?."