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Myths: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฎ
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myths

 

[mษชฮธs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ancient stories

Myths are traditional stories, often about gods and heroes, that attempt to explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, and the origins of the world. They are usually passed down orally from generation to generation.

Synonyms

folklore, legends, tales.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
myths

Use 'myths' to describe traditional stories that explain the beliefs or origins of a culture or the natural world. These stories are often not based on historical facts.

  • Greek myths often explain the origins of the gods and the human race
legends

Use 'legends' to describe traditional stories that are rooted in historical events but often exaggerated over time. They may include both real and fictional elements.

  • The legend of King Arthur has been told for centuries and includes both historical and mythical elements
folklore

Use 'folklore' to refer to the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories passed through generations within a community or culture. Folklore includes myths, legends, and tales.

  • The folklore of the Appalachian region includes tales of mysterious creatures and haunted places
tales

Use 'tales' to refer to stories of various kinds, including fictional or traditional narratives. These can be short, imaginative, and entertaining.

  • Children enjoy bedtime tales about magical lands and heroic adventures

Examples of usage

  • Myths of ancient Greece include stories of Zeus, Hera, and Apollo.
  • The myth of Pandora's box explains the origin of evil in the world.
Context #2 | Noun

false beliefs

Myths can also refer to widely held but false beliefs or ideas. These myths are often based on misconceptions or stereotypes and can be harmful.

Synonyms

fallacies, falsehoods, misconceptions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
myths

Use when referring to traditional stories or widely held but false beliefs often ingrained in culture or history.

  • Greek myths often feature gods and heroes
  • The myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice is not true
misconceptions

This word is appropriate when referring to misunderstandings or incorrect beliefs based on incorrect information.

  • There are many misconceptions about what foods are healthy
  • It's a common misconception that all spiders are dangerous
fallacies

Best used when discussing logical errors or mistaken beliefs, especially in arguments or reasoning.

  • The idea that vaccines cause autism is a dangerous fallacy
  • His argument is filled with logical fallacies that undermine its validity
falsehoods

Use this word to describe outright lies or statements that are intentionally untrue.

  • The rumors about the company's bankruptcy were complete falsehoods
  • Politicians should be held accountable for spreading falsehoods

Examples of usage

  • The myth that vaccines cause autism has been debunked by scientific research.
  • The myth that all cats hate water is not always true.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'myth' comes from the Greek word 'mythos', meaning 'story' or 'tale'.
  • Ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Egyptians, used myths to explain everything from the weather to the creation of the world.
  • Many early cultures shared myths orally before they were written down, allowing them to change and evolve over time.

Literature

  • Myths have inspired countless literary works, from Homer's 'The Iliad' to modern novels that draw on ancient tales.
  • The hero's journey, a common theme in literature, is often rooted in mythological stories featuring quests and transformations.
  • Contemporary authors often blend modern themes with classic mythology to create relatable stories.

Psychology

  • Carl Jung, a famous psychologist, believed that myths reflect universal human experiences and emotions, acting as a bridge to our unconscious minds.
  • Myths can serve as archetypes, helping people understand complex feelings and societal roles.
  • They often provide insight into personal and collective issues, functioning as a guide for moral and ethical behavior.

Cultural Impact

  • Many popular movies and TV shows, such as Marvel's 'Thor', are based on ancient myths, showing their ongoing relevance.
  • Folklore and urban legends are modern adaptations, blending mythological elements with contemporary culture.
  • Festivals and traditions in various cultures are often rooted in mythological stories, celebrating important events and figures.

Science and Nature

  • Some myths were created to explain natural phenomena, like thunderstorms being caused by angry gods.
  • The study of myths has helped anthropologists understand how different societies perceive the world around them.
  • Modern science often debunks myths, but they still serve a purpose in understanding human history and culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "myths" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mitos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคฟเคฅเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mythen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mitos

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผั–ั„ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mity

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ฅž่ฉฑ (ใ—ใ‚“ใ‚)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mythes

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mitos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mitler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ ํ™” (์‹ ํ™”)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุณุงุทูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรฝty

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mรฝty

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅž่ฏ (shรฉnhuร )

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ miti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ goรฐsรถgur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะธั„ั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ—แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ miflษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mitos

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,817 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.