legend
legend — noun
1. an old story, often about heroes, magical creatures, or important events, that h
an old story, often about heroes, magical creatures, or important events, that has been passed down through many generations and may not be historically accurate
Leila's grandfather told her the legend of a giant turtle that carries the world.
legend of [something] — names the story's subject
According to legend, a brave warrior once defeated a dragon in these mountains.
according to legend — fixed phrase for introducing a traditional story
Bao read a book of ancient Greek legends for his history class.
The legend of Robin Hood has been retold in countless films and books.
- myth
emphasises supernatural beings and explanations of natural phenomena; more strongly implies fiction
- folklore
broader term for the entire body of traditional beliefs, stories, and customs of a community
- tale
general word for a story, often fictional; less weighty than 'legend'
- saga
a long story of heroic achievement, especially from Norse or Icelandic tradition
文法句型
legend + of + subject
legend + about + subject
according to legend
用法筆記
Frequently paired with 'according to' and followed by 'of' to name the story's subject. Works as both a count noun ('an old Greek legend') and a non-count noun ('figures from ancient legend').
常見錯誤
2. a person who is extremely famous and deeply admired for extraordinary achievemen
a person who is extremely famous and deeply admired for extraordinary achievements, talent, or influence within a specific domain
To jazz fans worldwide, singer Esme is a legend who defined an entire era.
legend + in/of + [field] — specifies the area of fame
After winning three Olympic gold medals, Diego became a true legend in competitive swimming.
Rohan's aunt was a local legend — everyone in the town knew her Sunday dinners.
Hana's grandmother was a living legend in the world of traditional Korean dance.
- icon
emphasises symbolic or representative status; slightly more formal
- star
focuses on fame in entertainment or sports; can be less permanent
- celebrity
emphasises media attention and public recognition; may lack the admiration element
- luminary
more formal; often used for intellectual or scientific figures
文法句型
legend + in/of + field
a + adjective + legend
living legend
用法筆記
Subject is usually followed by 'of' or 'in' to specify the field ('a legend of jazz', 'a legend in basketball'). The adjective 'living' is a common modifier meaning the person is still alive. 'True legend' can also be used for emphasis. Avoid using this sense for someone who is merely temporarily famous — the word implies lasting admiration.
常見錯誤
3. the written information on a map, chart, diagram, or coin that explains what the
the written information on a map, chart, diagram, or coin that explains what the symbols, colours, or markings mean
Theo studied the map's legend to find hiking trails in the national park.
map's legend / map legend — paired noun
The chart legend on page twelve shows that blue areas represent high rainfall levels.
Nadia checked the legend on the circuit diagram to understand what each symbol meant.
A small legend at the bottom of the infographic explains what each colour icon means.
- key
more common for digital maps and software; more conversational
- caption
refers to text under or beside an image, not a symbol key
- inscription
specifically for writing on coins, medals, or monuments
文法句型
legend + of + map/chart/diagram
the + noun + legend
用法筆記
Distinguish from the 'famous person' sense — this meaning is specific to cartography, design, and numismatics. The synonym 'key' is more common for interactive digital maps and software diagrams. On coins, the term specifically refers to the inscription around the edge.