legendary figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legendary figure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a famous person with an outsized reputation or who is the subject of many stories or myths. For example, in Greek mythology, Hercules is a legendary figure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Diogenes is a legendary figure.

Independent

Juma Namangani is a legendary figure.

The New Yorker

It started with four legendary figure skaters.

The New York Times - Sports

"The man is a legendary figure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Morales was a legendary figure in CIA covert operations.

The Guardian

In Alaska, Mr. Stevens, 84, is a legendary figure.

The New York Times

Balthasar, legendary figure, said to be one of the Magi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Capone was a legendary figure in the Chicago underworld.

The New York Times

"(Yunupingu) himself is a giant amongst his people and a legendary figure in Australian music".

The Guardian

A biography of a great dancer who survived multiple heartbreaks to become an enduring, legendary figure.

The New York Times

"He is truly a legendary figure in the game," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legendary figure", ensure the context supports the claim that the person is either a subject of legend or exceptionally famous and influential in their field.

Common error

Avoid using "legendary figure" for individuals who are simply well-known or successful. The term implies a near-mythical status or impact beyond typical fame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legendary figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "legendary" modifies the noun "figure". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct. It serves to identify an individual whose renown has achieved almost mythical proportions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legendary figure" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone exceptionally famous, admired, and often the subject of stories bordering on myth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it's crucial to reserve its use for individuals whose impact and reputation truly warrant the descriptor, avoiding overuse for mere prominence. Alternatives include "iconic personality" or "celebrated individual", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When appropriately applied, "legendary figure" effectively communicates profound respect and lasting legacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iconic personality

Focuses on the person's status as a widely recognized and revered icon.

renowned personality

Stresses the person's widespread fame and reputation.

celebrated individual

Emphasizes the widespread praise and recognition the person receives.

illustrious person

Highlights the person's distinguished achievements and high reputation.

famous personage

Uses a more formal term to indicate a well-known and important individual.

fabled character

Highlights the mythical or legendary aspects of the person's story.

notable figure

Indicates the person is worthy of attention or notice due to their achievements.

preeminent leader

Highlights the person's position as a leading figure or authority in a particular domain.

mythic hero

Implies the person's story has taken on the qualities of a myth, often with exaggerated or fantastical elements.

major player

Focuses on the person's significant influence or role in a particular field or area.

FAQs

How is "legendary figure" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "legendary figure" is generally used to describe someone who is famous and admired, often with a reputation that has grown over time, even becoming mythic. For instance, "He is remembered as a "legendary figure" in the history of jazz."

What are some alternatives to "legendary figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "iconic personality", "celebrated individual", or "renowned personality" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "legendary figure" during their lifetime?

While it's more common to describe someone as a "legendary figure" after their death or after they've achieved significant historical impact, it's not inherently incorrect to use the term for a living person, provided their achievements and influence are truly exceptional and widely recognized.

What distinguishes a "legendary figure" from a "prominent figure"?

While both terms describe someone who is well-known and important, a "legendary figure" carries a stronger sense of admiration, historical significance, and often, the creation of myths or stories around their life. A "prominent figure" is simply someone who holds a position of power or influence.