Illusion
ɪˈluːʒən
Definitions
2 meaningsA false or misleading idea or belief.
ɪˈluːʒən
A deceptive appearance or impression.
The desert heat created an illusion of water on the horizon.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking in the desert and see water. You're thirsty and run towards it, but it's not really there! That's an illusion – something that seems real but isn't.
👶 For kids: It's when you think you see or hear something, but it's not really there! Like a magic trick!
More Examples
The painting created an optical illusion of depth.
He had the illusion that he was in control, when he wasn't.
How It's Used
"The magician created an illusion that made the audience believe a person had vanished."
"Optical illusions are used to study how the brain processes visual information."
A belief or idea that is not true.
ɪˈluːʒən
An instance of being deceived or mistaken.
He suffered from the illusion that he was always right.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, we think things are true when they're not. Like, you might *think* your friend will always agree with you, but they might not. That feeling that it's true is an illusion if it isn't.
👶 For kids: When you think something is true, but it's not really.
More Examples
The illusion that their relationship was perfect crumbled after the argument.
She tried to shake off the illusion that she would easily pass the test.
How It's Used
"The character lived under the illusion that his past mistakes did not affect his present life."
"She was living under the illusion that her boss respected her opinions."
Idioms & expressions
optical illusion
A visual deception; an image that misleads the eye.
"The exhibit featured various optical illusions designed to challenge the viewer's perception."
under the illusion
Mistakenly believing something.
"He was under the illusion that she was still interested in him."
From Latin *illusio* (“a mocking, a deception”), from the verb *illudere* (“to mock, deceive”), from *in-* (“in, on”) + *ludere* (“to play”).
The word has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to a deceptive appearance. It gained prominence in literature and philosophy, as writers explored the nature of reality and perception.
Memory tip
Imagine a mirror, but the reflection isn't real - it's an ILLUSION.
Word Origin
"to mock, to deceive"