Myopic: meaning, definitions and examples

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myopic

[mʌɪˈɒpɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

vision

Lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight. Short-sighted.

Synonyms

blind, nearsighted, short-sighted, unimaginative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
myopic	Used to describe someone with a lack of foresight or intellectual insight. Can also refer to a medical condition where a person can only see objects clearly when they are close. His myopic view of the project cost the company millions. She has been myopic since childhood and needs glasses to see distant objects.
short-sighted	Can be used both medically and metaphorically. Medically, it describes a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry. Metaphorically, it describes a lack of foresight or planning. This term is more commonly used in British English. He is short-sighted and needs glasses for seeing distant objects. Their short-sighted policies led to financial collapse.
nearsighted	Describes a medical condition where a person cannot see distant objects clearly. Often used in American English. She is nearsighted and wears glasses to drive. His nearsightedness was diagnosed when he was five years old.
blind	Primarily refers to a person who is unable to see. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is unable or unwilling to perceive or understand something. The charity works to support blind people. He is blind to the consequences of his actions.
unimaginative	Used to describe someone who lacks creativity or originality. Her unimaginative approach to teaching made the class very boring. He is an unimaginative cook, always making the same dishes.

Examples of usage

Myopic people often have difficulty seeing objects at a distance.
His myopic view prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Narrow-minded or intolerant; inclined to ignore or overlook differing viewpoints.

Synonyms

biased, intolerant, narrow-minded, prejudiced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
myopic	Used when describing someone who is short-sighted and lacks long-term perspective. His myopic business strategies caused the company to fail in just a few years. The government's myopic policies will hurt future generations.
narrow-minded	Used when describing someone who refuses to consider new or different ideas. She is too narrow-minded to accept innovative solutions. His narrow-minded attitude prevents him from understanding different cultures.
intolerant	Used to describe someone who is unwilling to accept different opinions or people who are different. He is intolerant of any political views that differ from his own. The school does not tolerate intolerant behavior among students.
biased	Used when referring to someone who unfairly favors one side over another. The jury appeared to be biased against the defendant. Her review of the book was biased because the author is her friend.
prejudiced	Used to describe someone who has negative opinions about others based on stereotypes or insufficient information, often with a negative connotation. She is prejudiced against people from other countries. Prejudiced remarks are not tolerated in our workplace.

Examples of usage

The myopic approach of the government led to a failure in considering all perspectives.
Don't be so myopic in your thinking, try to see things from different angles.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originates from the Greek word 'myōps,' meaning 'near-sighted' or 'to close the eyes,' highlighting the condition of limited vision.
It was first used in English in the late 19th century, specifically in 1861, to describe vision impairment.
The prefix 'myo-' relates to 'muscle,' while '-pic' relates to sight, referring to the eye's inability to focus on distant objects.

Health and Medicine

Myopia is one of the most common visual impairments worldwide, affecting about 30% of the global population.
It can develop during childhood and is often linked to extended near-work activities like reading or screen time.
Genetic factors also play a significant role; children with myopic parents are more likely to develop it.

Psychology

Metaphorically, myopic can describe someone who lacks foresight or misses out on bigger opportunities due to narrow thinking.
In decision-making, a myopic perspective might lead to short-term benefits while ignoring long-term consequences.
This limited viewpoint often occurs in leadership or corporate environments, emphasizing the need for strategic vision.

Cultural References

In literature, myopic characters often symbolize ignorance or a lack of understanding, emphasizing the importance of perspective.
The concept of myopia is frequently used in discussions of societal issues, where failing to see the broader picture can lead to poor outcomes.
Popular culture sometimes portrays myopic traits in characters as comic relief, emphasizing their inability to perceive reality fully.

Environmental Science

In the context of environmental issues, myopic thinking can refer to policies that prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
Addressing climate change requires overcoming myopic attitudes, as these can hinder necessary change for future generations.
Innovative solutions in conservation often address both immediate needs and broader ecological impacts.

Translations

Translations of the word "myopic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 míope

🇮🇳 निकट दृष्टि दोषी (निकट दृष्टि दोष वाला)

🇩🇪 kurzsichtig

🇮🇩 rabun jauh

🇺🇦 короткозорий

🇵🇱 krótkowzroczny

🇯🇵 近視 (きんし)

🇫🇷 myope

🇪🇸 miope

🇹🇷 miyop

🇰🇷 근시

🇸🇦 قَصير النظر

🇨🇿 krátkozraký

🇸🇰 krátkozraký

🇨🇳 近视 (jìnshì)

🇸🇮 kratkoviden

🇮🇸 nærsýnn

🇰🇿 алыстан көрмеушілік

🇬🇪 მოკლესანათელი

🇦🇿 yaxın görən

🇲🇽 miope

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,543, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24540 slur
24541 foliated
24542 quadrupled
24543 myopic
24544 hypertext
24545 aphorism
24546 humoured
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