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espejismo

mirage

noun ehs-peh-HEES-moh Rare

Origin: From espejo (mirror), from Latin speculum.

Also means

illusion

Usage Note

Espejismo literally denotes the optical mirage seen in deserts or on hot roads, and figuratively any deceptive hope or illusion. Its root espejo ('mirror') is transparent in the form: a mirage literally 'mirrors' something that is not there. The figurative sense is very common: ese plan es un espejismo ('that plan is wishful thinking').

Examples

"El oasis resultó ser un espejismo."

Natural Translation

The oasis turned out to be a mirage.

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