Cool MateLegendary vs Renowned
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Legendary
Top 3,000 (common)C1adjective
Renowned
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1adjective
Most formal: Renowned
| Legendary | Renowned | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈledʒəndri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈledʒənderi/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈnaʊnd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈnaʊnd/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very famous and admired, often because of a great achievement. | Well-known and respected. |
| Example | a legendary figure | a renowned author |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | legendary status, legendary figure, legendary status, legendary creature | renowned author, renowned scientist, renowned artist, renowned for achievements, renowned institution |
| Antonyms | ordinary, common, unremarkable | unknown, obscure |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'legend' - 'legendary' describes something, while 'legend' is a noun., Using 'legendary' for things that are not famous enough., Mispronouncing as 'legandary'. | Confused with 'renown' (the noun form)., Using 'renowned' in informal situations., Mixing up 'renowned' with similar-sounding but incorrect words. |
| Usage notes | Use 'legendary' to describe people, events, or stories known for their greatness. Often used in a positive context but can be informal in casual conversations. | Use 'renowned' in formal contexts to describe someone or something that is famous and respected. It's not appropriate for casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Legendary vs Renowned
What's the difference between Legendary and Renowned?
Legendary: Very famous and admired, often because of a great achievement. Renowned: Well-known and respected.
Which is more formal: Legendary and Renowned?
Renowned is the most formal of these.
Are Legendary and Renowned the same CEFR level?
Legendary: C1, Renowned: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Legendary and Renowned?
Legendary: adjective, Renowned: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Legendary: a legendary figure Renowned: a renowned author
Can I use Legendary and Renowned interchangeably?
Not always. Legendary and Renowned are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.