illusion

Where does the word "illusion" come from? It comes from Latin illudere, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1300s).

Illusion’s story begins in Latin: illudere meant “to mock, to play with.” To mock, to play with, from in- (upon) and ludere (to play). Within Latin, it grew into illusio by ancient. Formed as a noun for a deceptive appearance. From there it passed into Old French as illusion by medieval. Carried into French for a false or deceptive impression. It reached English by 1300s as illusion. Settled as the English word for a false perception or belief. Today, illusion means a false perception, belief, or impression of reality.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient illudere "to mock, to play with", to mock, to play with, from in- (upon) and ludere (to play).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient illusio "a deceptive appearance", formed as a noun for a deceptive appearance.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval illusion "a false or deceptive impression", carried into French for a false or deceptive impression.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1300s illusion "a false perception or belief", settled as the English word for a false perception or belief.