Legendary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legendary

[หˆledส’ษ™nหŒdษ›ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

fantasy games

Remarkable enough to be famous; well-known and much talked about.

Synonyms

epic, famous, mythical, renowned.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legendary

Used to describe someone or something that is very famous and admired, often from history or stories.

  • The legendary hero defeated the dragon.
  • She had a legendary career in acting.
famous

Commonly used to describe someone or something well-known to a large number of people.

  • She became famous for her role in the TV series.
  • The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark.
renowned

Used to describe someone or something that is very well-known and respected, often for a specific quality or achievement.

  • The scientist is renowned for her groundbreaking research.
  • The restaurant is renowned for its delicious seafood.
mythical

Used for describing something that exists only in myths or legends and does not exist in reality.

  • Unicorns are mythical creatures.
  • Achilles is a mythical hero of Greek mythology.
epic

Often used to describe something grand, impressive, or heroic, often involving extraordinary events.

  • Their road trip across the country was an epic journey.
  • The battle in the movie was truly epic.

Examples of usage

  • He is a legendary hero in the world of fantasy games.
  • The sword he found was said to be of legendary power.
  • The legendary creature is known for its magical abilities.
  • Legends say that this place is home to a legendary treasure.
  • The legendary battle between good and evil is a common theme in folklore.
Context #2 | Adjective

general usage

Extremely impressive or famous; well-known.

Synonyms

celebrated, iconic, illustrious, notable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legendary

Use when referring to someone or something well-known and admired, often from an earlier time, and surrounded by legends or myths.

  • The legendary king was said to have a magical sword.
  • Her legendary beauty was spoken of in poems.
celebrated

Use when talking about someone or something widely praised and recognized for their achievements or qualities.

  • He is a celebrated author with many bestsellers.
  • The festival is celebrated for its vibrant parades.
notable

Use when mentioning someone or something that is worthy of attention or remarkable for their qualities or actions.

  • She made a notable contribution to the project.
  • His notable skill in chess makes him a tough competitor.
illustrious

Use when referring to someone who has achieved great respect and fame due to their accomplishments, often with a sense of dignity and honor.

  • The scientist's illustrious career earned him many awards.
  • Their illustrious achievements in the field are unparalleled.
iconic

Use when describing someone or something that serves as a symbol or is exceptionally representative of a particular style, movement, or genre.

  • The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark of Paris.
  • Her iconic role in the movie defined her career.

Examples of usage

  • The restaurant is known for its legendary burgers.
  • She is a legendary actress in the entertainment industry.
  • The band gave a legendary performance at the concert.
  • The legendary singer captivated the audience with her voice.
  • His legendary skills as a chef have earned him numerous awards.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, legendary figures represent ideals and values, such as bravery, wisdom, and strength.
  • Folktales often feature legendary heroes who face challenges to protect their communities.
  • Legends can also explain natural phenomena, such as mountains or rivers, adding cultural depth to geographical features.

Literature and Media

  • Many famous novels and movies are based on legendary characters, such as King Arthur or Robin Hood.
  • Legends are often reimagined in contemporary media, creating new interpretations that resonate with modern audiences.
  • Comics and graphic novels frequently portray legendary heroes, blending classic tales with modern storytelling.

Psychology

  • People are often drawn to legendary stories due to their ability to inspire and motivate action.
  • The concept of legendary figures can influence personal goals, as many aspire to reach legendary status in their own lives.
  • Studies suggest that storytelling, including legendary tales, enhances memory retention and emotional connection.

Sports

  • In sports, certain athletes are labeled as 'legendary' for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the game.
  • Debates often arise regarding who qualifies as a legendary player based on their impact and skill level.
  • Legendary sports moments often become part of a team's history, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Origin of 'legendary'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'legendarius', meaning 'of or pertaining to legends'.
  • The root 'legende' in Old French referred specifically to stories told about saints.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to include any tale that was remarkable or extraordinary.

The word 'legendary' originated from the late Middle English word 'legendarie', which was derived from the Latin word 'legendarium' meaning 'things to be read'. Over time, the term evolved to describe stories or events that were remarkable enough to be retold and became well-known. Today, 'legendary' is commonly used to describe something or someone that is famous, impressive, or iconic.


See also: legends.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,653, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.