Meaning of the word mirage in English

What does mirage mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mirage

US /mɪˈrɑːʒ/
UK /mɪˈrɑːʒ/

Noun

1.

an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated air

Example:
The travelers thought they saw an oasis, but it was just a mirage.
On a hot day, the road ahead often looks like it's covered in water, a common type of mirage.
2.

something that appears real or possible but is not in fact so

Example:
The promise of a quick solution turned out to be a mere mirage.
His hopes for promotion were a mirage; the company was downsizing.