legend
B2All registers (informal, formal, academic, technical). Informal use to mean 'a remarkable person' is very common.
Definition
Meaning
A traditional story or myth about the past, especially one concerning a famous person or event, that may be partly historical but is unverifiable.
An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field; an inscription, caption, or key on a map, diagram, or chart; a person who inspires stories and admiration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning has shifted from a traditional, often ancient, story to a modern metaphorical term for a person of great fame/skill. In its technical sense (map/chart key), it is purely factual and neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The informal usage ('he's a legend') is common in both, but may be slightly more pervasive and colloquial in British English.
Connotations
Informal use often carries strong positive connotations of admiration and respect. In historical contexts, a 'legend' may be contrasted with fact, implying unreliability.
Frequency
The noun is very common in both. The verb form (to legend a map) is very rare and technical; the adjective 'legendary' is more frequent than the noun in praising someone.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
legend of/about + [noun phrase] (the legend of King Arthur)legend that + [clause] (the legend that he never slept)legend has it that + [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Legend has it that...”
- “go down in legend”
- “a living legend”
- “become the stuff of legend”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in core business writing, except metaphorically: 'He's a legend in the marketing world.'
Academic
Used in history, literature, cultural studies to discuss traditional narratives and myth-making.
Everyday
Very common informally to praise someone: 'Thanks for helping me move, you're a legend!'
Technical
Standard term for the key explaining symbols on a map, chart, or diagram.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cartographer will legend the map with clear symbols.
- The chart must be properly legended before publication.
American English
- The diagram needs to be legended for clarity.
- She spent the afternoon legending the architectural plans.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard. Use 'legendarily')
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'legendarily')
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. Use 'legendary')
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'legendary')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is a football legend.
- The map has a legend.
- I read a legend about a dragon.
- According to legend, a king sleeps under this hill.
- She is a living legend in the world of jazz.
- Check the legend to understand what the symbols mean.
- The legend of Robin Hood has been adapted countless times.
- His generosity has become the stuff of local legend.
- The report's graphs were confusing because the legend was incomplete.
- The biography separates the man from the legend that surrounded him.
- Legend has it that the founding of the city was foretold in a dream.
- Her status as an industry legend is unassailable, built on decades of innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LEG END: a story so good it could be the end of all other stories, or a person whose career leg (stage) has ended, leaving a great story.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAME/IMPORTANCE IS A STORY (a person becomes so notable they become the subject of stories, like mythical heroes).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'легенда' for every use of 'legend'. English 'legend' is less commonly used for a simple 'rumour' or 'unverified story' than Russian 'легенда'.
- The technical meaning (map key) does not translate to 'легенда' in Russian; it's 'условные обозначения'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'legend' (the story/person) with 'myth' (which more strongly implies falsehood).
- Overusing the informal 'he's a legend' in formal writing.
- Using 'legend' as an adjective (*a legend player) instead of the correct adjective 'legendary'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'legend' used in its technical, non-metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are traditional stories. A 'myth' often explains natural phenomena or the origins of the world/culture and typically involves gods/supernatural beings. A 'legend' is usually based on a historical person or event, exaggerated over time, and is more secular in nature.
No, the standard adjective form is 'legendary' (e.g., 'a legendary musician'). Using 'legend' as an adjective (e.g., 'a legend musician') is incorrect.
Yes, using 'legend' to mean an amazing or admirable person is informal and very common in spoken English and casual writing. It is not appropriate for formal reports or academic papers.
On a map, chart, or diagram, the 'legend' is the key—a box or list that explains the meaning of the symbols, colours, or line styles used.
Collections
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Travel and Culture
B1 · 48 words · Cultural experiences and traveling the world.