euhemerism

English

Alternative forms

  • euemerism, Euemerism, Euhemerism

Etymology

From Euhemerus + -ism, 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.

Pronunciation

Noun

euhemerism (usually uncountable, plural euhemerisms)

  1. (uncountable) The belief that legends and mythology arise from exaggerated descriptions of historical people and events.
    • 1846, George Grote, History of Greece, Vol. I, p. 596:
      In regard to the Thracian god Zalmosis, the Hellespontic Greeks interpreted his character and attributes according to the scheme of Euemerism.

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References


Romanian

Etymology

From French évhémérisme.

Noun

euhemerism n (uncountable)

  1. euhemerism

Declension

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