Mirage

A Mirage is an optical illusion caused by the refraction of light, often appearing as a shimmering pool of water or a distant object, such as a lake or oasis, in the desert or on a hot road. It's the result of light bending as it passes through layers of air with different temperatures and densities. These visual deceptions can also extend beyond these environmental instances and represent something unreal or illusory in other contexts, for example, someone's desires or a feeling. The effect can also be described as the act of being deceived and a state of being misled.

Mirage meaning with examples

• The desert traveler, parched and weary, saw a shimmering Mirage of water in the distance, only to be disappointed when it vanished as they approached. The intense heat had caused the air near the sand to be significantly hotter than the air above, resulting in this classic optical illusion. They pressed on despite their parched throats.
• Her early success felt like a mirage; it vanished quickly, leaving her wondering if it was all a dream. The initial excitement and recognition were quickly replaced by a harsh reality of setbacks. She learned that initial impressions are not always accurate and that persistence is more important than the illusion of success.
• The politician's promises of prosperity were quickly dismissed by many as a Mirage, designed to attract votes rather than reflect genuine plans. His unrealistic statements and empty rhetoric created a lot of doubt in the minds of the constituents. The voters recognized the deception and turned towards more honest candidates.
• During the long and arduous negotiation, they sometimes felt they were chasing a Mirage of an agreement, as the terms constantly shifted and changed. There seemed to be no way to find consensus. Each time an idea was presented, it disappeared before anything tangible could come of it.