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myth

n.
US //ˈmɪθ// UK //mˈɪθ// myth
  1. 1 traditional story (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    an ancient story about gods or heroes that explains how the world began or why things happen.

    a traditional narrative, often sacred, concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, typically involving supernatural beings.

    Example

    In Greek myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to give it to humans.

    Example

    The professor argued that every culture develops its own creation myth to provide a moral and spiritual framework for its citizens.
  2. 2 false belief (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a common idea that many people believe but is actually false.

    a widely held but false belief or idea; a popular misconception that lacks a factual basis.

    Example

    It is a common myth that you can see the Great Wall of China from space.

    Example

    The documentary aims to debunk the myth that organic farming cannot produce enough food to sustain a global population.
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  1. 3 imaginary person or thing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    someone or something that does not really exist, or whose story is greatly exaggerated.

    a person or thing existing only in imagination or whose actual existence is not verifiable; often used to describe idealized figures.

    Example

    The perfect employee is a myth; everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

    Example

    By the end of the century, the reclusive billionaire had become more of a myth than a man, with few people able to confirm his whereabouts.
Origin

From Ancient Greek μῦθος (mûthos, “word, humour, companion, speech, account, rumour, fable”). Attested in English since 1830. Doublet of mythos.

Word family

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