Allusion vs. Illusion

What Is Their Main Difference?

They are only similar in that they are pronounced similarly. 'Allusion' refers to a literary device indicating that a specific word, image, etc. is a symbol of something else, whereas, 'illusion' refers tohallucinating and seeing something that does not really exist.

Differences

'Allusion' is a literary device that means something is a representation of something else, while, 'illusion' refers to seeing something that is actually not there. Look at the examples below:

Example

Sorry to say this, but you showed him your Achilles heels.

Achilles heels is the symbol of one's weakness in Greek mythology.

You partner has, unfortunately, filled your head with the illusion that he loves you.

Similarities

These two are only similar in that they have similar pronunciations.

Are They Interchangeable?

As stated above, these two words are completely different from one another. So, they cannot be used interchangeably because the sentence will be meaningless in that case. Compare:

Example

✓ Beware of how manipulative people make you fall for an illusion.

X Beware of how manipulative people make you fall for an allusion.

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What Is Their Main Difference?
Differences
- Are They Interchangeable?

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