Myth — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈmith/

Meaning & Definition of Myth

Myth (noun)

  1. a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the worldview of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon
  2. parable, allegory
  3. 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

Myth (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a traditional but unfounded story that gives the reason for a current custom, belief, or fact of nature

    "according to an ancient Greek myth, humans acquired fire from Prometheus, a Titan who had stolen it from heaven"

    similar: fable, legend, mythos
  2. the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place

    "over the years Davy Crockett evolved from an actual person to one of the great figures of American myth"

  3. a false idea or belief

    "the idea that alligators can live in the sewers of New York is just a myth"

    opposite: truth, verity

Related Entry: Urban legend (noun)

Urban legend is a different word from Myth. The synonyms below are for urban legend, not for myth.

  1. as in word, talk

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Myth

The most common words with a similar meaning to Myth:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Myth

Words with the opposite meaning of Myth:

Origin & Etymology of Myth

earlier mythos, mythus, borrowed from Greek mŷthos "utterance, speech, discourse, tale, narrative, fiction, legend," of obscure origin

First known use: 1830

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Myth

Words & Phrases Containing Myth

Frequently Asked Questions about Myth

What does "Myth" mean?

"Myth" means a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the worldview of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. As a noun, it is defined as: a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the worldview of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Myth"?

Other words for "Myth" include fable, legend, mythos, folklore, legendry, lore, mythology and tradition. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Myth" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Myth"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Myth". Common alternatives include fable, legend, mythos, folklore, legendry, lore, mythology, tradition, delusion and error.

What is the opposite of "Myth"?

Antonyms of "Myth" include truth and verity.

How do you use "Myth" in a sentence?

Examples of "Myth" in a sentence: "according to an ancient Greek myth, humans acquired fire from Prometheus, a Titan who had stolen it from heaven"; "over the years Davy Crockett evolved from an actual person to one of the great figures of American myth"; "the idea that alligators can live in the sewers of New York is just a myth".

Is "Myth" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Myth" is a noun.

Is "Myth" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Myth" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Myth"?

"Myth" is pronounced /ˈmith/.