Mirage: meaning, definitions and examples

🌵

Add to dictionary

mirage

[mɪˈrɑːʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the desert

An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in the desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air.

Synonyms

hallucination, illusion, optical illusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mirage	A mirage is an optical phenomenon commonly experienced in hot desert areas or on roads, where you see what looks like water or some other image in the distance that isn't really there. It occurs due to atmospheric conditions. As we trekked through the desert, the shimmering pool of water we saw ahead was just a mirage. Driving on the highway, the heat made it look like there were puddles of water on the road, but they were only mirages.
illusion	An illusion is a misleading visual or sensory perception that can occur in everyday life, often used in magic shows or art. It can be anything that tricks the senses into perceiving something different from reality. The magician's tricks were so convincing that the entire audience was in awe of the illusion. Optical illusions in art can make flat images appear three-dimensional.
optical illusion	An optical illusion specifically refers to a visual trick that deceives the eyes, making you perceive something differently than it is in reality. These are often used in artistic works, puzzles, and entertainment. The checkerboard seemed to be moving, but it was just an optical illusion. Optical illusions can challenge how we see depth and shapes.
hallucination	A hallucination is a sensory experience where you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel something that doesn't actually exist, typically associated with mental health conditions or the effects of drugs. The fever was so intense that he started having hallucinations of people in his room. Certain medications can cause vivid hallucinations as a side effect.

Examples of usage

The weary travelers thought they saw a lake in the distance, but it turned out to be just a mirage.
The mirage in the desert played tricks on their eyes, making them see things that weren't really there.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

Something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so.

Synonyms

deception, fallacy, illusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mirage	This word is often used to describe a false image or idea that appears real but is actually not. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical or visual illusions, such as those seen in deserts or on hot roads. The shimmering lake in the distance turned out to be a mirage. He chased the success like it was a mirage, always just out of reach.
illusion	This word can refer to a false perception or belief, often involving sensory experience or an incorrect understanding. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts. The optical illusion made the straight lines appear curved. She was under the illusion that she could complete the project alone.
deception	This word is used to describe the act of misleading or deceiving someone. It usually involves intent and can have a negative connotation. The magician's show was full of clever deceptions. The salesman was skilled in the art of deception, tricking many customers.
fallacy	This word is often used in logical or argumentative contexts to describe a mistaken belief or error in reasoning. It is commonly used in academic or formal discussions. It is a common fallacy to assume correlation implies causation. He pointed out the fallacies in her argument during the debate.

Examples of usage

The promise of easy money turned out to be a mirage, as the investment scheme was a scam.
The idea of a perfect relationship can often be a mirage, as no one is perfect.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'mirage' comes from the French word 'mirer', meaning 'to look at' or 'to watch'.
It originally referred to the illusion of seeing water, often in hot places like deserts.

Science

Mirages occur due to the refraction of light rays; warm air near the ground bends light from the sky, creating false images.
There are different types of mirages, such as inferior mirages (things appearing lower) and superior mirages (things appearing higher).

Cultural References

In literature and films, mirages often symbolize unattainable dreams or desires, like in classic desert adventure stories.
They are sometimes depicted in paintings and artworks to illustrate the beauty and mystery of nature.

Psychology

Experiencing a mirage can remind us how our senses can be deceived, highlighting the gap between reality and perception.
In psychology, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe goals or aspirations that may seem attainable but are actually illusions.

Historical Context

Ancient travelers in deserts often mistook mirages for real water sources, which could lead to dangerous situations.
During World War I, soldiers in desert battlefields reported seeing mirages, complicating navigation and combat.

Translations

Translations of the word "mirage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 miragem

🇮🇳 मृगतृष्णा

🇩🇪 Fata Morgana

🇮🇩 fatamorgana

🇺🇦 міраж

🇵🇱 miraż

🇯🇵 蜃気楼 (しんきろう)

🇫🇷 mirage

🇪🇸 espejismo

🇹🇷 serap

🇰🇷 신기루 (singiru)

🇸🇦 سراب (sarab)

🇨🇿 mrázivý

🇸🇰 mrázivý

🇨🇳 海市蜃楼 (hǎishì shènlóu)

🇸🇮 miraž

🇮🇸 hilling

🇰🇿 сағым (sagym)

🇬🇪 მირაჟი (miraji)

🇦🇿 serab

🇲🇽 espejismo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,043, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22040 bitterest
22041 soreness
22042 symphonic
22043 mirage
22044 rabid
22045 comprehensiveness
22046 homogenized
...