What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allusive
Example
Her allusive comment about the situation left me wondering what she really meant. [allusive: adjective]
Example
The author's allusive writing style made the book more engaging for readers familiar with the referenced works. [allusive: adjective]
indirect
Example
He gave me an indirect answer when I asked him if he was coming to the party. [indirect: adjective]
Example
She used an indirect approach to persuade her boss to approve her proposal. [indirect: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indirect is more commonly used than allusive in everyday language, as it has a broader range of meanings and applications. However, allusive is still a useful term in the context of literature or art.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allusive and indirect?
Both allusive and indirect can be used in formal and informal contexts, but allusive may be more commonly associated with a formal or literary tone due to its specific usage in those contexts.
