antimythical
|an-ti-myth-i-cal|
/ˌæn.tiˈmɪθ.ɪ.kəl/
against myth
Etymology
'antimythical' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek anti- meaning 'against') combined with 'mythical' (from 'myth' + '-ical'), where 'myth' comes from Greek 'muthos' meaning 'story' or 'speech'.
'anti-' + 'myth' produced compounds in Modern English (e.g. anti-myth, antimythic), and with the adjectival suffix '-ical' the modern form 'antimythical' was formed by analogy with similar combinations (e.g. 'antihistorical').
Initially the elements literally meant 'against' + 'story' (i.e. opposed to myths); over time the combined form has come to mean both 'opposed to myth-making' and 'not possessing mythical qualities' in contemporary usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to myths or myth-making; expressing rejection or critique of traditional myths and legendary accounts.
Her antimythical critique challenged the founding legends of the community.
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Adjective 2
not mythical; lacking mythical or legendary qualities—describing something presented as ordinary, factual, or non-legendary rather than fantastic.
The novel's antimythical portrayal of its heroes emphasized their ordinary flaws instead of heroic grandeur.
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Last updated: 2025/09/04 07:36