Mirage: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.