myth
mihth
Myth (noun) means a traditional story, often about gods or heroes, that explains the origins of the world or a people. Example: “In the ancient myth, the sun was pulled across the sky by a chariot.”
noun
1
A traditional story, often about gods or heroes, that explains the origins of the world or a people.
"In the ancient myth, the sun was pulled across the sky by a chariot."
"Our teacher read us a myth explaining why the seasons change."
"The myth of Prometheus tells of a Titan who gave fire to humanity."
2
A widely believed idea that is actually false.
"Many people believe the myth that cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis."
"It's a myth that you only use ten percent of your brain."
"The article debunked several common health myths."
How to use myth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional legendary story, or a popular but false belief.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
creation myth
debunk a myth
urban myth
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Word forms
- Plural
- myths
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In the ancient _____, the sun was pulled across the sky by a chariot.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek mythos ("word, story, tale"), which entered English usage in this form around 1830.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “myth” mean?
The word “myth” means a traditional story, often about gods or heroes, that explains the origins of the world or a people. In plain terms, a traditional legendary story, or a popular but false belief.
How do you pronounce “myth”?
“Myth” is pronounced mihth (/mɪθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “myth” in a sentence?
Here is “myth” used in a sentence: “The myth of Prometheus tells of a Titan who gave fire to humanity.”
What is the opposite of “myth”?
The opposite of “myth” — its antonyms — is antimyth.
What part of speech is “myth”?
“Myth” is a noun.
Where does the word “myth” come from?
The word “myth” dates back to around 1830 and comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek mythos ("word, story, tale"), which entered English usage in this form around 1830.
Is “myth” a common word?
“Myth” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “myth” have?
“Myth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional story, often about gods or heroes, that explains the origins of the world or a people.
What is the difference between a myth and a legend?
A myth is a traditional story, often about gods or heroes, that explains the origins of the world or a people, and its setting lies outside ordinary history. A legend is a traditional story presented as history, typically attached to a named person or place, such as King Arthur, and it may contain a kernel of fact. Broadly, myths explain while legends commemorate.
Does myth always mean something false?
No. In its older sense a myth is a traditional story that explains origins, and calling a story a myth says nothing about deliberate falsehood; it names a genre, not a lie. In everyday modern use, however, myth also means a widely believed idea that is actually false, as in "the myth that we use only ten percent of our brains". Context shows which sense is meant.
What is the difference between a myth and a misconception?
Both can refer to false beliefs, but a myth in this sense is widely shared and often repeated as received wisdom, while a misconception is simply a mistaken understanding, which may be held by one person. Misconception is also the more neutral, technical word; myth adds the flavour of a story people keep telling.
What is the difference between mythical and mythological?
Mythical usually means imaginary or existing only in stories, as in "a mythical creature", and can describe anything that turns out not to be real. Mythological means relating to mythology as a body of traditional stories: "mythological figures such as Zeus". Something mythological belongs to myths; something mythical may simply not exist.
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