illusion
UK: ɪˈluːʒ(ə)n | US: ɪˈluːʒən
n. a false idea or belief; a deceptive appearance or impression
n. something that deceives the senses or mind, such as a mirage or optical trick
n. (in literature/art) a device used to create an imaginative or unrealistic effect
illusion = il<against> + lus<play> + ion<noun suffix>
- il (variant of in-, meaning "against" or "not")
- lus (from Latin ludere, meaning "to play")
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word illusion traces back to Latin illusio ("a mocking, jesting, or deception"), derived from illudere ("to mock or deceive"), combining in- (against) and ludere (to play). The core idea is of "playing tricks on the mind," reflecting its modern meaning of sensory or cognitive deception. Over time, it broadened to include visual tricks (e.g., optical illusions) and metaphorical false beliefs.
The magician created an illusion of a floating ball.
She labored under the illusion that success would come easily.
The desert heat often produces mirages—optical illusions of distant water.
His confidence was merely an illusion masking deep insecurity.
Virtual reality relies on carefully crafted illusions to simulate real environments.