Legendary is a word that is often misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. The correct pronunciation, as indicated by its IPA phonetic transcription, is /ˈlɛdʒənderi/. The first syllable, ledj, is pronounced with a soft 'g' sound, followed by the schwa sound in the second syllable, 'ə'. The final syllable contains the long 'i' sound, 'i', and the letter 'r' is silent. Despite its tricky spelling, legendary remains a popular word to describe something of great importance or significance.
Legendary (adjective) refers to something that is widely known and often celebrated, typically associated with tales or accounts that have been passed down through generations. It describes something or someone with a remarkable reputation, having achieved great fame or notoriety for their actions, accomplishments, or qualities. Legendary is a term that often connotes greatness, awe, and extraordinary significance.
In the context of stories and folklore, legendary often alludes to mythical beings, heroes, or events. Legends form an important part of cultural heritage, providing narratives that inspire, educate, and entertain. These legends often transcend time, captivating audiences across generations with their enduring appeal and ability to invoke powerful emotions.
Beyond tales and folklore, legendary can also be applied to denote extraordinary or exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark in history, such as legendary leaders, artists, athletes, or pioneers who have revolutionized their respective fields. It implies a level of influence and impact that has left an enduring legacy, making these individuals notable and iconic.
Furthermore, the term legendary can also be used to describe objects, places, or experiences that hold significant historical or symbolic value. These might include legendary landmarks or architectural wonders that symbolize a particular era or culture. It suggests a quality that sets them apart, evoking a sense of grandeur, significance, and admiration.
In summary, legendary encompasses the idea of greatness, fame, and enduring impact, whether it relates to stories, individuals, objects, or experiences that have amassed extraordinary recognition and awe throughout history.
• Fabulous; romantic; consisting of legends.
• A book of legends.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "legendary" originated from the Late Latin word "legendarius", which can be traced back to the Latin word "legendum". "Legendum" is the neuter singular form of the future participle of "legere", meaning "to read" or "to gather". The term "legendarius" referred to something that was to be read or passed down orally as a narrative or story. Over time, "legendarius" evolved into "legendary" and gained its current meaning of something being extraordinary, famous, or having the status of a legend.