Basic Details
Word: Martyr
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs or causes.
Synonyms: Saint, victim, sufferer
Antonyms: Betrayer, traitor
Idioms and Phrases
- Make a martyr of oneself: To suffer or sacrifice oneself to gain sympathy or attention. Example: "She always makes a martyr of herself by taking on everyone else's problems."
- Martyr complex: A psychological condition where someone habitually seeks pity or displays self-sacrifice to be seen as noble. Example: "His martyr complex meant he often felt unappreciated, even when others offered help."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The young man became a martyr for his ideals, inspiring others to stand up for what they believe in.
Example 2: Throughout history, many martyrs have fought for freedom and justice, leaving their mark on society.
Example 3: She refused to be a martyr and instead chose to advocate for change without sacrificing her own happiness.
Fun Fact
The word "martyr" comes from the Greek word "martys," which means "witness." This highlights the idea that martyrs bear witness to their beliefs, often at great personal cost.
Famous Quote
"The greatest act of faith is when a man understands he is not an island, but a martyr for the greater good." -- Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "martyr" mean?
a) A person who wins a competition
b) A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs
c) A person who tells jokes
d) A person who creates art
Answer: b) A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs
2. Which of these is a synonym of "martyr"?
a) Victim
b) Leader
c) Teacher
d) Manager
Answer: a) Victim
3. Which is an antonym of "martyr"?
a) Sufferer
b) Saint
c) Trader
d) Betrayer
Answer: d) Betrayer
4. Which sentence uses "martyr" correctly?
a) The martyr enjoyed a day at the beach.
b) The martyr stood firm in his beliefs to inspire others.
c) The martyr baked a cake for the party.
d) The martyr painted a beautiful landscape.
Answer: b) The martyr stood firm in his beliefs to inspire others.
5. What does the idiom "make a martyr of oneself" mean?
a) To become famous
b) To seek pity by self-sacrifice
c) To achieve great success
d) To avoid hard work
Answer: b) To seek pity by self-sacrifice
