Definitions
01traditional story
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. an old story from the past that many people know, but which may not be entirely true.
n. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
“The legend of King Arthur has been told for hundreds of years.”
“Local legend suggests that a vast treasure remains buried beneath the ruins of the old castle, though no archaeological evidence has ever been found.”
02famous person
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who is very famous and admired for being extremely good at what they do.
n. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.
“The retired singer is a living legend in the world of jazz music.”
“The late director was a legend of the silver screen, known for his uncompromising vision and technical innovation.”
Antonyms
03admirable person
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal · British English
n. a person who is very helpful, kind, or impressive in a specific moment.
n. a person whose actions or character are greatly admired; frequently used as a term of endearment or praise.
“You found my lost keys? You are an absolute legend.”
“He is a total legend for staying late to help the rest of the team finish the project before the deadline.”
04map key
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical
n. the part of a map or chart that explains what the symbols and colours mean.
n. the explanatory list of symbols on a map or chart.
“Check the legend at the bottom of the map to see which lines represent hiking trails.”
“Without a clear legend, the complex geological map was nearly impossible for the students to interpret correctly.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “legend” in context.
Verb
01. become a legend
“After winning five consecutive championships, the athlete became a legend in his own time.”
verb + noun
02. consult the legend
“If you are unsure what the red lines represent, consult the legend at the bottom of the map.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. ancient legend
“According to ancient legend, the city was founded by twin brothers raised by a wolf.”
adj + noun
04. living legend
“The guitarist is a living legend who has influenced generations of musicians.”
adj + noun
05. urban legend
“The story about alligators living in the sewers is just a popular urban legend.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. legend has it
“Legend has it that a secret treasure is buried somewhere beneath the old castle.”
noun + verb
07. stuff of legend
“His bravery during the rescue mission became the stuff of legend among his colleagues.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. according to legend
“According to legend, the sword could only be pulled from the stone by the true king.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“While in Hargrove’s band, Fortner began studying with another legend, pianist Fred Hersch.” “Repeat a family story often enough, and it becomes a kind of legend – or a curse.” Etymology
From Middle English legende, from Old French legende, from Medieval Latin legenda (“a legend, story, especially the lives of the saints”), from Latin legenda (“things which ought to be read”), from lego (“to read”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/legend
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0