Myth vs. Rumor — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Myth and Rumor
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Compare with Definitions
Myth
Myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. The main characters in myths are usually non-humans, such as gods, demigods, and other supernatural figures.
Rumor
A rumour (British English), or rumor (American English; see spelling differences; derived from Latin: 'rumorem' - noise), is "a tall tale of explanations of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in public concern."In the social sciences, a rumour involves a form of a statement whose veracity is not quickly or ever confirmed. In addition, some scholars have identified rumour as a subset of propaganda.
Myth
A traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society
The myth of Eros and Psyche.
A creation myth.
Rumor
A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Myth
Such stories considered as a group
The realm of myth.
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Rumor
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.
Myth
A popular belief or story that has become associated with a person, institution, or occurrence, especially one considered to illustrate a cultural ideal
A star whose fame turned her into a myth.
The pioneer myth of suburbia.
Rumor
To spread or tell by rumor.
Myth
A fiction or half-truth, especially one that forms part of an ideology.
Rumor
A statement or claim of questionable accuracy, from no known reliable source, usually spread by word of mouth.
There's a rumor going round that he's going to get married.
Myth
A fictitious story, person, or thing
"German artillery superiority on the Western Front was a myth" (Leon Wolff).
Rumor
Information or misinformation of the kind contained in such claims.
They say he used to be a thief, but that's just rumor.
Myth
A traditional story which embodies a belief regarding some fact or phenomenon of experience, and in which often the forces of nature and of the soul are personified; a sacred narrative regarding a god, a hero, the origin of the world or of a people, etc.
Rumor
To tell a rumor about; to gossip.
John is rumored to be next in line for a promotion.
Myth
(uncountable) Such stories as a genre.
Myth was the product of man's emotion and imagination, acted upon by his surroundings. (E. Clodd, Myths & Dreams (1885), 7, cited after OED)
Rumor
A flying or popular report; the common talk; hence, public fame; notoriety.
This rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.
Great is the rumor of this dreadful knight.
Myth
A commonly-held but false belief, a common misconception; a fictitious or imaginary person or thing; a popular conception about a real person or event which exaggerates or idealizes reality.
Scientists debunk the myth that gum stays in the human stomach for seven years.
Rumor
A current story passing from one person to another, without any known authority for its truth; - in this sense often personified.
Rumor next, and Chance,And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled.
Myth
A person or thing held in excessive or quasi-religious awe or admiration based on popular legend
Father Flanagan was legendary, his institution an American myth. (Tucson (Arizona) Citizen, 20 September 1979, 5A/3, cited after OED)
Rumor
A prolonged, indistinct noise.
Myth
A person or thing existing only in imagination, or whose actual existence is not verifiable.
Rumor
To report by rumor; to tell.
'T was rumoredMy father 'scaped from out the citadel.
Myth
An invented story, theory, or concept.
Rumor
Gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
Myth
A story of great but unknown age which originally embodied a belief regarding some fact or phenomenon of experience, and in which often the forces of nature and of the soul are personified; an ancient legend of a god, a hero, the origin of a race, etc.; a wonder story of prehistoric origin; a popular fable which is, or has been, received as historical.
Rumor
Tell or spread rumors;
It was rumored that the next president would be a woman
Myth
A person or thing existing only in imagination, or whose actual existence is not verifiable.
As for Mrs. Primmins's bones, they had been myths these twenty years.
Myth
A traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
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