How Do You Spell MIRAGES?

Pronunciation: [mˈɪɹɑːʒɪz] (IPA)

The word "mirages" is spelled with two syllables (mi-rajes) and follows a common English pronunciation pattern. The initial "m" sound is followed by a short "i" sound, represented by the "i" in "sit". The "r" that comes after it is pronounced with a tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. The second syllable starts with a long "a" sound, like the "a" in "say," followed by a soft "g" sound and a silent "e". The word refers to the optical phenomenon in which distant objects appear distorted or displaced.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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MIRAGES Meaning and Definition

  1. Mirages are optical phenomena characterized by the appearance of objects or scenes that are distorted or nonexistent. These illusions typically occur when light rays passing through different temperatures of air bend or refract, creating misleading images that can appear as if they are a reflection or a projection of objects. The most commonly known mirages are those that occur in deserts, where the hot ground heats the air close to the surface and creates different layers of varying temperature.

    One particular type of mirage is the superior mirage, which appears as an inverted and distorted image of an object above its actual position. It occurs when a layer of warm air forms above a denser layer of cooler air. This temperature inversion causes light to bend towards the ground, creating an illusion of distant objects being lifted.

    Another type of mirage is the inferior mirage, which is often seen on hot roads or land surfaces. In this case, the air above the heated ground creates a layer of lower density compared to the air above it. Light rays from distant objects get refracted upward, leading to objects appearing lower than they actually are.

    Mirages have fascinated people for centuries and have been the subject of various scientific studies. The understanding of mirages has led to advancements in our knowledge of optics and atmospheric physics. Moreover, mirages have also been used as metaphors for delusions or illusions in literature and art.

Top Common Misspellings for MIRAGES *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MIRAGES

Etymology of MIRAGES

The word "mirage" originated from the French term "se mirer", which means "to be reflected". The word was derived from the Latin word "mirari", meaning "to wonder at" or "to gaze at with astonishment". Eventually, this led to the noun "mirage" in English, referring to an optical illusion caused by the bending of light rays, typically seen in deserts or hot surfaces.

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