Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to or based on myths; belonging to the realm of traditional stories about gods, heroes, and supernatural beings. 2. Lacking factual basis or historical validity; existing only in myth or legend.

Usage

The adjective "mythological" is used to describe characters, creatures, events, or themes that originate from or are characteristic of mythology. It often implies that something is not real in a historical or scientific sense but belongs to the world of ancient stories.

Examples

• Describing characters or creatures:
  • Hercules is a mythological hero known for his incredible strength.
  • Dragons are common mythological beasts in stories from many cultures.
• Describing stories or themes:
  • The book explores the mythological origins of the constellation.
  • The film is based on mythological tales from ancient Greece.

Advanced Usage

• "mythological figure": A character from mythology.
  • Odin is a central mythological figure in Norse legends.
• "mythological significance": The symbolic or cultural importance derived from myth.
  • The tree held great mythological significance for the tribe.

Variants and Related Words

• Mythic (adj): Often used interchangeably with "mythological," meaning pertaining to myth; also used to mean impressively grand or legendary.
  • The story achieved mythic status over the centuries.
• Mythology (n): A collection of myths belonging to a particular culture or religion.
  • She is studying Greek mythology.
• Myth (n): A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon.
  • The myth explains how the world was created.

Synonyms

• Legendary: Described in or based on legends.
• Fabulous: Resembling or based on fables; extraordinary.
• Fictional: Invented as part of a story; not real.

Antonyms

• Historical: Belonging to the past as documented by facts.
• Factual: Concerned with what is actually true or based on facts.
• Real: Actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact.

Adjective

1. based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity
   • mythical centaurs
   • the fabulous unicorn