myth
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“In Greek myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to give it to humans.”
In context“The professor argued that every culture develops its own creation myth to provide a moral and spiritual framework for its citizens.”
- 02 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.
Simple“It is a common myth that you can see the Great Wall of China from space.”
In context“The documentary aims to debunk the myth that organic farming cannot produce enough food to sustain a global population.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The perfect employee is a myth; everyone has strengths and weaknesses.”
In context“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.”
“But looking back, as myths from Lot to Orpheus remind us, can be a dangerous business.”
From Ancient Greek μῦθος (mûthos, “word, humour, companion, speech, account, rumour, fable”). Attested in English since 1830. Doublet of mythos.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.