How to Pronounce “allusion”
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- American (US)
- /əˈlu.ʒən/
What “allusion” means
noun — An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “allusion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈlu.ʒən/ 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. /əˈlu.ʒən/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "allusion" mean?
allusion (noun): An indirect reference; a hint; a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.
What is the IPA transcription of "allusion"?
/əˈlu.ʒən/ in American English.
Which syllable is stressed in "allusion"?
“allusion” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /əˈlu.ʒən/ 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.
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