illusion

A belief or idea that seems true but is actually wrong.

• His confidence was based on an illusion.
• She had no illusions about the risks.
• We were under the illusion that the work was finished.

How to use it: be under the illusion that… (He was under the illusion that everyone agreed.); have no illusions about something (I have no illusions about how difficult this will be.)

Similar words: delusion, misconception

Common phrases: under an illusion, illusion that something, illusion of something

Something that looks or feels real or different from what it actually is.

• The moving lines are an illusion.
• The lights created the illusion of a larger room.
• These shadows can produce strange illusions.

How to use it: illusion of something (The mirrors create an illusion of space.)

Common phrases: optical illusion, create an illusion, illusion of something, visual illusion

A trick performed by a magician that makes something impossible seem to happen.

• The magician performed an amazing illusion.
• His final illusion made a car disappear.
• Can you explain how that illusion works?

Similar words: magic trick

Common phrases: perform an illusion, stage illusion, magic illusion

The state of being misled about what is real or true.

• He lived in illusion for years.
• The discovery brought her out of illusion.
• They remained in a state of illusion about their safety.

Similar words: delusion

Common phrases: live in illusion, state of illusion