legend
UK: ˈlɛdʒənd | US: ˈlɛdʒənd
n. a traditional story or group of stories about a particular person or place, often involving supernatural elements
n. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field
n. an inscription or caption on a coin, monument, or artwork
legend = leg<read> + end<noun suffix>
- leg<read>: From Latin legere ("to read, gather"), reflecting the oral or written transmission of stories.
- end<noun suffix>: A nominalizing suffix indicating a result or product (via Old French -ende).
Etymology Origin:
The word legend traces back to Latin legenda ("things to be read"), originally referring to stories of saints read aloud in religious contexts. Over time, it broadened to denote any remarkable tale or person, retaining its core idea of narrative transmission. The morpheme leg- preserves its link to literacy and storytelling.
The legend of King Arthur has inspired countless books and films.
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.
The coin’s legend bore the emperor’s name.
Local legends warn travelers about the haunted forest.
Her scientific breakthroughs made her a legend in her field.