Very famous and admired, often in a way that seems almost unreal or magical. It can also mean related to old stories, myths, or legends.
From Medieval Latin *legendarius* meaning “pertaining to legends or stories to be read.” Originally, it referred to collections of saints’ lives that were meant to be read aloud.
‘Legendary’ used to describe stories meant to be read, not necessarily true ones. Today we call real people ‘legendary,’ quietly admitting we’ve turned them into half-myth in our minds.
Traditional 'legendary' figures in many canons have skewed male, reflecting who was allowed to hold power and whose stories were preserved. Women and gender‑diverse figures were often sidelined, sexualized, or framed as supporting characters rather than central heroes.
When calling people or achievements 'legendary,' consciously include examples from women and marginalized genders, and avoid reinforcing a canon that is exclusively male.
When discussing 'legendary' scientists, artists, or leaders, explicitly name women and other under‑recognized contributors whose work has historically been minimized or attributed to male colleagues.
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