demythologize

Thân thiện

The scholar aims to demythologize the ancient text.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove the mythical, supernatural, or legendary elements from a text, narrative, or belief system in order to analyze or interpret its underlying historical, psychological, or philosophical meaning.

Usage

• This verb is used primarily in academic, theological, or literary analysis.
• It describes a critical process of reinterpretation.
• It is often used in the passive voice (e.g., "a demythologized text").
• The direct object is typically a text, story, or set of beliefs.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The scholar sought to demythologize the ancient epic, separating possible historical events from later legendary additions.
  • Some modern theologians attempt to demythologize religious scriptures to find their existential message.
  • The biography aimed to demythologize the national hero, presenting him as a complex human rather than a perfect legend.

Advanced Usage

• "Demythologizing" (gerund/noun): The process or methodology of removing mythical elements.
  • The demythologizing of classical myths reveals ancient societal fears and values.
• "Demythologized" (past participle/adjective): Describes a text or narrative that has undergone this process.
  • We studied a demythologized version of the founding story in our history class.

Variants and Related Words

• Demythologise: (Verb) The British English spelling variant.
• Demythologization (Noun): The act or result of demythologizing.
  • The demythologization of the narrative was controversial.

Synonyms

• Rationalize: To explain or interpret by reason, often removing supernatural elements.
• Secularize: To remove religious or spiritual association or influence.
• Deconstruct: (In critical theory) To analyze by separating constituent parts to reveal underlying assumptions.

Antonyms

• Mythologize: To construct or interpret as myth; to make legendary.
• Sanctify: To set apart as or declare holy; to imbue with religious significance.

Học thuật

Verb

1. remove the mythical element from (writings)
   • the Bible should be demythologized and examined for its historical value

Từ đồng nghĩa

• demythologise