Legend Meaning
/ˈlɛd͡ʒ.ənd/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe life story of a saint (such stories are often embellished, but any kind is called a legend).
nounAn unrealistic story depicting past events., A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.
Sentence Examples
We are familiar with the legend of Robin Hood.
That story is household legend.
The film is based on the legend of Robin Hood.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ancient ____ from Greece tells of a hero who fought giants.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
According to local ____, a giant monster once lived in the deep and dark waters of the lake many years ago.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"If the documents are needed to establish "a light legend," meaning a superficial cover story, no steps are taken to make sure that if someone calls the college or motor vehicle department, the name on the document will be registered."
— 1992, Ronald Kessler, Inside the CIA, Pocket Books, published 1994, →ISBN, page 115:
"Sorge solidified his own position by returning to Germany and developing a new legend. He joined the Nazi Party[…]."
— 2003, Rodney Carlisle, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Spies and Espionage, Alpha Books, →ISBN, page 105:
"Both the agent's legend and documents were intended to stand up against casual questions from Soviet citizens, such as during a job interview, or a routine police document check, such as were made at railway stations."
— 2005, Curtis Peebles, Twilight Warriors, Naval Institute Press, →ISBN, page 25:
"According to ancient legend, a Greek girl, partaking of saffron for an entire week, could not resist a lover."
— 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 212:
"Further clues are provided by milk-floats bearing the legend 'Lord Rayleigh's Dairies: A Family Business', and a number of signs indicating the whereabouts of various departments of Lord Rayleigh's Farms."
— 1980, AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd, page 375, about Terling:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The ancient ____ from Greece tells of a hero who fought giants.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
According to local ____, a giant monster once lived in the deep and dark waters of the lake many years ago.