legend
UK[ˈlɛdʒənd]US[ˈlɛdʒənd]
n
A very old story or set of stories from ancient times, which may not be entirely true.
n
A famous person or event that is admired and talked about by many people.
n
An explanatory caption or key on a map, chart, or diagram.
Morpheme Breakdown
leg
end
leg
to read
end
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'legend' originates from the Medieval Latin term legenda, meaning "things to be read." This was the gerundive form of the Latin verb legere, which carried the core senses of "to gather, choose, and read." In medieval religious practice, legenda specifically referred to collections of stories about saints' lives, which were appointed to be read aloud on feast days. Over time, the meaning broadened from these prescribed religious narratives to any traditional story handed down from the past, often involving heroic figures or miraculous events, and eventually to any person or thing inspiring such stories.
Analysis
Structure: leg (to read) + end (noun suffix)
'leg' from Latin legere (to read, gather, choose). 'end' from Latin -endus (gerundive suffix), which evolved into a noun-forming suffix in English.
Examples
The legend of King Arthur has fascinated people for centuries.
She is a living legend in the world of jazz music.
Please refer to the legend at the bottom of the map to understand the symbols.