English · Word Candidate

illusion

/ɪˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: illusions

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A distortion of sensory perception where real stimuli lead to a false or misleading impression of reality.

Noun

We saw what looked like a tiger among the trees, but it was an illusion caused by the shadows of the branches.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A misapprehension; a belief in something that is in fact not true.

Noun

Jane has this illusion that John is in love with her.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “illusion” mean?

A distortion of sensory perception where real stimuli lead to a false or misleading impression of reality.

Is “illusion” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.