Word
legendary
Meanings
Extremely famous and admired, especially because of exceptional achievements or impact.
Connected with old stories or traditions, as if coming from a legend rather than ordinary history.
Definition
Very famous and admired, often because of remarkable achievements or long-standing stories about someone or something.
Legendary describes a person, place, or thing that is extremely well known and respected, usually because of outstanding success or influence. It can also suggest that stories about it have been repeated so often that it has become larger than life. In everyday use, it often means “iconic” or “unforgettable,” even when the details are slightly exaggerated.
Examples
- She finally met the legendary director whose films had shaped her taste for years.
- I heard a legendary tale about that remote lighthouse, but the locals would not confirm the details.
- They served a legendary spicy stew at the festival, and it sold out before sunset.
- You handled the crisis with legendary calm, even while everyone else was panicking.
Common mistake
Learners often use "legendary" for something merely popular, but it usually implies long-lasting fame, major impact, or myth-like stories.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.