Word
mirage
Phoneticsmi·rage, stress on the second syllable
US/mɝˈɑʒ/
UK/mˈɪɹɑːʒ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. an optical illusion caused by hot air that makes you see things that are not there, like water on a dry road. It can also describe a hope or plan that seems real but is impossible to achieve.
n. an optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. Often used figuratively to describe an illusory hope or unattainable goal.
Examples
“The water on the hot road was just a mirage.”
“Thirsty travelers in the desert are often deceived by a mirage that looks like a distant lake.”
“The promise of quick riches proved to be a financial mirage, vanishing as soon as the market experienced its first significant downturn.”
Examples
simple
“The water on the hot road was just a mirage.”
contextual
“Thirsty travelers in the desert are often deceived by a mirage that looks like a distant lake.”
complex
“The promise of quick riches proved to be a financial mirage, vanishing as soon as the market experienced its first significant downturn.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'to see' or 'to chase' in both literal and figurative contexts.
Etymology
An unadapted borrowing from French mirage c. 1812.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/mirage