Basic Details
Word: Martyr
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs or principles, often for a cause or religion.
Synonyms: Sacrificial victim, saint, champion
Antonyms: Disbeliever, coward
Idioms and Phrases
- Play the martyr: To pretend to suffer or to take on extra burdens to gain sympathy from others. Example: "She always plays the martyr whenever she has to help out with chores."
- Martyr for a cause: Someone who dedicates their life or sacrifices themselves for a particular belief or movement. Example: "He became a martyr for the cause of freedom and justice."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The young girl became a martyr in her community, inspiring others with her courage against injustice.
Example 2: Throughout history, many martyrs have given their lives in the fight for human rights.
Example 3: The story of the martyr motivated the students to stand up for their beliefs and speak out against bullying.
Fun Fact
The word "martyr" comes from the Greek word martys, which means witness. Originally, it referred to someone who witnessed their beliefs, especially in the context of religions, but it later evolved to mean those who died for their faith.
Famous Quote
"The greatest kind of heroism is to be willing to die for your beliefs." - Supposedly a sentiment echoed through various cultures when referring to martyrs.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "martyr" mean?
a) A strong leader
b) A person who suffers for their beliefs
c) A wealthy person
d) A famous artist
Answer: b) A person who suffers for their beliefs
2. Which of these is a synonym of "martyr"?
a) Coward
b) Saint
c) Disbeliever
d) Follower
Answer: b) Saint
3. Which word is an antonym of "martyr"?
a) Visionary
b) Champion
c) Coward
d) Leader
Answer: c) Coward
4. Which sentence uses "martyr" correctly?
a) The martyr saved their seat at the table.
b) The martyr helped others by giving up their life for a cause.
c) The comedian made everyone laugh except the martyr.
d) The martyr was known for their cooking skills.
Answer: b) The martyr helped others by giving up their life for a cause.
5. Which idiom refers to acting like a "martyr"?
a) Play the martyr
b) A penny for your thoughts
c) Like two peas in a pod
d) At the drop of a hat
Answer: a) Play the martyr
