VocabDictionary

legend

/ˈlɛdʒ.ənd/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated.

Example Sentences:
  • The legend of King Arthur has been retold in countless books and films.
  • Local legend says that a ghost haunts the old lighthouse on stormy nights.
2.noun

An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.

Example Sentences:
  • Michael Jordan is a basketball legend who changed the way the game is played.
  • She became a legend in the fashion industry for her revolutionary designs.
3.noun

A key or table of symbols and their meanings, typically found on a map or chart.

Example Sentences:
  • Check the map's legend to see what the blue lines represent.
  • The chart legend clearly distinguishes between the different data categories.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “legend”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'legenda', meaning 'things to be read', specifically referring to a collection of stories about saints to be read during divine service. It evolved in Middle English to denote a narrative of a person's life, eventually shifting to mean a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'legend' as a story so famous it is 'leg-endary'—it lasts from the beginning to the end of time.

Frequently Asked Questions About “legend

1. What is the meaning of “legend” in English?

In English, legend (noun) is defined as: “A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated.”.

2. How do you use “legend” in a sentence?

The legend of King Arthur has been retold in countless books and films.

3. What are English synonyms of “legend”?

Common synonyms include:myth,fable,icon,saga,tale

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “legend”?

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'legenda', meaning 'things to be read', specifically referring to a collection of stories about saints to be read during divine service. It evolved in Middle English to denote a narrative of a person's life, eventually shifting to mean a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.