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mythology

mih-THOL-uh-jee /mɪˈθɒl.ə.dʒi/

nounB2GRETOEFLIELTSSAT

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A collection of myths or sacred stories belonging to a particular culture, explaining natural phenomena or human existence.

Focuses on sacred cosmological origins, gods, and supernatural forces rather than earthly human heroes.

The story behind the word. From Greek 'mythologia', combining 'mythos' (a spoken account or sacred tale) with 'logos' (study or discourse). Ancient Greek writers used it to mean the systematic storytelling of divine origins.

Word relationships

cosmology: Cosmology refers to the philosophical structure of the universe, whereas mythology focuses on narrative stories of deities.

science: Science uses empirical testing to explain phenomena rather than divine narrative accounts.

Commonly confused with

legend: Legends center on human figures in historic settings; mythology centers on gods and cosmic origins.

Word family

myth (noun): A single traditional story concerning gods or cosmic origins.
mythological (adjective): Relating to divine or sacred myths.
mythmaker (noun): A creator of sacred stories or popular cultural myths.

Collocations

Greek mythology
Norse mythology
comparative mythology
steeped in mythology

Idioms & expressions

mythological proportions

Example sentences

"Greek mythology explains seasonal changes through the tale of Demeter and Persephone." Classical studies
"Joseph Campbell studied mythology across continents to identify universal archetypes." Comparative literature

Memory hook

MYTH + OLOGY = the logical study of mythical tales. The study of sacred origins.

When not to use

Avoid calling a modern living world religion's primary beliefs 'mythology' in formal diplomacy as it may sound dismissive.

Fun facts

In original Greek usage, 'mythos' simply meant 'word' or 'speech', contrasting with 'logos' which meant reasoned argument.