# myth

/ˈmɪθ/ (US) · /mˈɪθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/myth
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. traditional story

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- In Greek myth, Prometheus stole fire from the gods to give it to humans.
- The professor argued that every culture develops its own creation myth to provide a moral and spiritual framework for its citizens.

### 2. false belief

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- It is a common myth that you can see the Great Wall of China from space.
- The documentary aims to debunk the myth that organic farming cannot produce enough food to sustain a global population.

### 3. imaginary person or thing

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

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

## Examples

- Ancient Greek myths often tell stories about powerful gods.
- The documentary aims to debunk the common myth that humans only use ten percent of their brains.
- While some view the story as historical fact, most scholars categorise it as a foundational myth designed to justify the social hierarchy of the era.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.