myth

myth

noun \ˈmith\

Definition of MYTH

1

a : a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon b : parable, allegory

2

a : a popular belief or tradition that has grown up around something or someone; especially : one embodying the ideals and institutions of a society or segment of society <seduced by the American myth of individualism — Orde Coombs> b : an unfounded or false notion

3

: a person or thing having only an imaginary or unverifiable existence

4

: the whole body of myths

Examples of MYTH

1. It's an enduring myth that money brings happiness.
2. I don't believe the myths and legends about this forest.
3. Contrary to popular myth, no monster lives in this lake.

Origin of MYTH

Greek mythos

First Known Use: 1830

Related to MYTH

Synonyms: fable, legend, mythos

Antonyms: truth, verity

Related Words: allegory, parable; fabrication, fantasy (also phantasy), fiction, figment, invention; narrative, saga, story, tale, yarn

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mythology and Folklore Terms

elysian, fay, muse, nimbus, phoenix

Rhymes with MYTH

fifth, frith, grith, kith, pith, smith, swith, with, withe