What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allusion
Example
The author made an allusion to Shakespeare's play in his novel. [allusion: noun]
Example
She alluded to her difficult childhood without going into detail. [alluded: verb]
hint
Example
He dropped a hint that he might be interested in going on a date. [hint: noun]
Example
She hinted at the possibility of a promotion during the meeting. [hinted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hint is more commonly used than allusion in everyday language. Hint is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while allusion is less common and is typically used in literary or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allusion and hint?
While allusion is typically associated with a formal and literary tone, hint is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
