What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illude
Example
Don't illude yourself into thinking that everything will be okay without taking action. [illude: verb]
Example
The company's success was illusory, and they soon went bankrupt. [illusory: adjective]
delude
Example
The con artist deluded the elderly woman into giving him all her savings. [deluded: past participle]
Example
Don't let anyone delude you into thinking that you're not capable of achieving your dreams. [delude: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delude is more commonly used than illude in everyday language, and is still widely used in various contexts. Illude is less common and may be considered outdated or archaic in modern English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illude and delude?
Delude is more formal than illude, and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Illude is more commonly used in literature or poetry, and may be considered more literary or artistic in style.
