What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
folktale
Example
The folktale of Cinderella has been told for centuries in many different cultures. [folktale: noun]
Example
Grandma used to tell us folktales about the magical creatures that lived in the forest. [folktale: plural noun]
myth
Example
The myth of Zeus and Hera is a well-known story from Greek mythology. [myth: noun]
Example
Some people believe that the myth of Bigfoot is based on real sightings of an undiscovered species. [myth: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Folktale and myth are both commonly used words in English, but folktale is more commonly used in everyday language, while myth is often used in academic or religious contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between folktale and myth?
Myth is generally considered to be a more formal word than folktale, as it is often used in academic or religious contexts.
