English vocabulary · B2
Mirage
/məˈrɑːʒ/ · n.
It means seeing something that is not really there.
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Example sentences
- The thirsty man saw water, but it was a mirage.
- After much work, his dream felt like a mirage.
Word origin and roots
- mirare — look at (from Latin)
- age — result (from French)
Synonyms and nuances
- illusion (perception distorts what is real)
- dream (hope creates an unreachable vision)
- trick (the mind or eye is deceived)
Words with the same root
mirare — look at
- mirror — a surface that reflects what you look at
- miracle — a wonderful event that makes you stop and look in amazement
- admire — to look at someone or something with deep respect or wonder
Lesson notes
Mirage. It means seeing something that is not really there. You see water in a hot desert, but it is an illusion caused by the hot air.
Similar words are illusion, dream, and trick. Use Mirage when you see something false.
The thirsty man saw water, but it was a mirage. After much work, his dream felt like a mirage.
From Latin mirare, meaning to look at, and age, meaning result. Looking at hot air creates a false image. That is a mirage.