illusion

nouncommon in dialogue

United Kingdom//ɪˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n//
United Kingdom//ɪˈl(j)uːzj(ə)n//
United States/[ɪˈluː.ʒən]/

A distortion of sensory perception where real stimuli lead to a false or misleading impression of reality.

noun

1
A distortion of sensory perception where real stimuli lead to a false or misleading impression of reality.
We saw what looked like a tiger among the trees, but it was an illusion caused by the shadows of the branches.
Using artificial additives, scientists can create the illusion of fruit flavours in food.
You realize the sun don't go down it's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round.
2
A misapprehension; a belief in something that is in fact not true.
Jane has this illusion that John is in love with her.
Now if you feel that you can't go on / Because all of your hope is gone / And your life is filled with much confusion / Until happiness is just an illusion
3
A magician’s trick.
4
The state of being deceived or misled.

Etymology

From Old French illusion, from Latin illūsiō, from illūdere, from in- (“at, upon”) + lūdere (“to play, mock, trick”). Displaced native Old English dwimmer.

Forms

plural: illusions

Illinois · A state of the United States, named for the people.illiterate · Unable to read and write.illness · An instance (episode) of a disease or poor health.

illusion · A distortion of sensory perception where real stimuli lead to a false or misleading impression of reality.

illustrious · Admired, distinguished, respected, or well-known.Im · irregular galaxy with no coherent structure image · A visual or other representation of the external form of…

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