mirage — an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of water in a desert
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of water in a desert
Pronunciation (IPA): /məˈrɑːʒ/
Example Sentences
- The student's dream of getting into Harvard without studying was just a mirage.
- Scientists explained that the mirage was caused by hot air bending light rays.
- My diet plan disappeared like a mirage when I saw the chocolate cake.
mirage
NOUN[/məˈrɑːʒ/]
an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of water in a desert
The thirsty traveler chased a mirage of water across the burning desert dunes.
MIR(mirror) + AGE(age) — looking in the MIR(mirror) at his younger AGE(age), the old man realized the youthful reflection was just a mirage.
Escaping the heavy ice barrage, he ran toward the warm garage, only to find it was a cruel mirage.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'mirage', derived from 'mirer' meaning 'to look at' or 'to gaze'. The French verb traces back to Latin 'mirari' meaning 'to wonder at' or 'to be amazed', reflecting the wonder one feels when seeing these optical illusions.
Breakdown
mir- (to look/wonder) + -age (noun suffix indicating result or condition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The student's dream of getting into Harvard without studying was just a mirage.”
“Scientists explained that the mirage was caused by hot air bending light rays.”
“My diet plan disappeared like a mirage when I saw the chocolate cake.”
“The promise of easy money online often proves to be a mirage.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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