Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Euhemerize

//juˈhiməˌɹaɪz// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends. ambitransitive, derogatory

    "Confucian scholars frequently euhemerized the myths used to explain religious rituals to the public."

  2. 2
    Synonym of deify: to actually create mythology and legends from ancient historical figures and events. ambitransitive

    "The Yellow Emperor was perhaps euhemerized from a prehistoric tribal leader."

Etymology

From euhemerism + -ize, ultimately from Latin Euhēmerus, from Ancient Greek Εὐήμερος (Euḗmeros), an ancient Greek Sicilian Skeptic who proposed most or all mythology derived from historical figures and natural events which received supernatural characteristics only through retelling.

See also for "euhemerize"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: euhemerize