almost
indicate jocosely, to hint at playfully .... Allusion is the by-play of language." — R. G. White Words and Their Uses, ch. 5, p. 90. (S. H. & Co.'70)
Allude is from the Latin alludo, treat lightly, from ad, at, and ludo, play, and should be used only with the sense of "to refer incidentally, indirectly, or by suggestion." When you toast a hero by name, you certainly do not allude to him, although in so doing you make a pretty allusion to the heroic act with which his name is identified. In toasting Dewey, you do not allude to him but to his deeds off Manila.
allusion: Distinguish between this word and illusion. The former is derived from the Latin ad, at, + ludo, play (treat lightly), and means an incidental suggestion or passing reference, a species of innuendo; the latter is derived from in, on, + ludo, play (play tricks on), and means an unreal image presented to the senses.
almost: "An adjective in early English, the use of which has recently been revived, but it has not received the sanction of general usage." — Standard Dictionary.
An "almost Christian" is, however, a most expressive term, and would oftentimes more nearly express the truth than the absolute and unqualified "Christian." Compare most.
almost, about: These words are now commonly
used as interchangeable synonyms. Formerly, such
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