How to Pronounce “allude”

American (US)

/əˈlud/

British (UK)

/əˈljuːd/

Australian (AU)

/əˈlʉːd/

verb — To refer to something indirectly.

Example: She alluded to the resignation without naming anyone.

Synonyms: hint, refer

The final e is silent. The transcription /əˈlud/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “allude” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “allude” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /əˈlud/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /əˈlud/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "allude" mean?

allude (verb): To refer to something indirectly. For example — She alluded to the resignation without naming anyone.

How do you pronounce "allude" in American vs British English?

American English: /əˈlud/. British English: /əˈljuːd/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "allude"?

/əˈlud/ in American English, /əˈljuːd/ in British English, /əˈlʉːd/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "allude"?

“allude” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /əˈlud/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.