mythos

noun

my·​thos ˈmi-ˌthōs 

-ˌthäs

plural mythoi ˈmi-ˌthȯi 

1

a

: myth sense 1a

b

: mythology sense 2a

2

: a pattern of beliefs expressing often symbolically the characteristic or prevalent attitudes in a group or culture

3

: theme, plot

the starving artist mythos

Synonyms

• fable
• legend
• myth

Examples of mythos in a Sentence

according to one creation mythos, humans sprang from the forehead of a god

the Superman mythos has long since become ingrained in popular American culture

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is something that is visually unique and somehow very grounded in the mythos of contemporary fantasy. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

With the Netflix film, Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s kids — director Malcolm, actor John David and producer Katia — add to both their family mythos and Wilson’s legacy. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024

He’s got to give a bio-musical performance, which means broadcasting, in quick succession, a series of emotional peaks and valleys, via what can feel like a grab bag of historical trivia, all encased in restrictive mythos. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

And Joker: Folie a Deux does this while also tipping the hat to the comic book mythos of Joker never having a concrete backstory. —Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek mŷthos "utterance, speech, discourse, tale, narrative, fiction, legend," of obscure origin

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a