to mythify

Examples

• All

• Or do we mythify the man by painting him as the prototypical romantic hero, living on the margins, endowed with prophetic vision, carrying on his shoulders the pains of the world, and finally taking his own life because he was incapable of redeeming the world through his art?

  Academic text (1993)

• The attentive reader thus recognizes the function of memory which, on one hand, mythifies certain events that belong to the communal memory and, on the other, brings to life a particular moment in one's past.

  Academic text (1990)

• It must analyze Algeria's colonial past as it actually happened and attempt to overcome it rather than mythify it.

  Academic text (1998)

• The documentary mythifies the scientist, presenting him as a groundbreaking figure who changed the course of history.

• In her books, the author mythifies her characters, turning them into legendary figures with extraordinary abilities.

Synonyms

E

to exaggerate

vsto mythify

258 3.1

To say something is larger, better, or worse than it really is

applies exaggeration specifically to create a mythic heroic image

G

to glorify

vsto mythify

86 5.2

To make a person or thing seem better and more important than they really are

pushes meaning toward legendary exaggeration rather than plain praise

I

to inflate

vsto mythify

47 4.2

To make something seem more important or bigger than it really is

uses that inflation to craft a mythic or legendary image

R

to romanticize

vsto mythify

• US

23 6.7

Make something seem more attractive and ideal than it really is

moves that idealization toward legendary myth making

D

to dramatize

vsto mythify

15 4.2

To make something seem more exciting or important than it really is

instead emphasizes legendary status rather than drama alone

I

to idealize

vsto mythify

14 5.8

To think someone or something is more perfect than they really are

adds legendary traits beyond mere perfection or admiration

G

to glamorize

vsto mythify

• US

12 5.8

To make someone or something look more attractive and exciting than they really are

does this but with added legendary or heroic emphasis

O

to overhype

vsto mythify

4 5.8

Praise something more than it really deserves

is more about creating a mythic persona than simple promotion

M

to mythologize

vsto mythify

3 7.7

To say something was a legend or better than it really was by ignoring faults

is similar but often includes idealizing or storytelling emphasis

G

to glamourize

vsto mythify

• UK

1 6.3

Make something seem more attractive than it really is

leans more toward legendary portrayal in the key concept

H

to hyperbolize

vsto mythify

• US

1 7.9

To make something seem much bigger or more important than it really is

is more specific in creating a legendary image than simple exaggeration

M

to mythicize

vsto mythify

9.9

To make someone or something seem larger and more special than they really were

is the same action of making someone seem legendary

A

to apotheosize

vsto mythify

• Literature

9.9

To make someone seem like a god or without faults

does similar praise but targets legendary not strictly divine status

H

to heroize

vsto mythify

7.9

To make someone seem very brave and admired

focuses on legendary stature more than just hero qualities

O

to overdraw

vsto mythify

6.6

Describe something as more important or impressive than it really is

aims at building legendary status rather than just dramatic description

Antonyms

D

to disillusion

18 6.4

To make someone realize that something they believed is not true

How Legendary

to deify

7 8.4

to mythify

8.9

to glorify

86 5.2

to romanticize

5 6.9

to promote

566 3.2

to praise

331 1.0

to hint

136 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology