What does legendarily mean?
Legendarily is an adverb meaning in a way that has become part of popular legend, usually by making someone or something exceptionally famous, successful, unusual, or notorious. It is closely associated with the adjective legendary but adds an emphatic, often slightly humorous or exaggerated quality. A band might be described as legendarily successful, while a poorly maintained building may become legendarily dangerous. The word can sometimes suggest that a reputation, though extreme, is exaggerated or part of popular storytelling. It is particularly common in journalism, sports writing, biographies, and informal descriptions. The expression 'legendarily bad' demonstrates that the term need not be complimentary: infamy and misfortune can become legendary too. Because it frequently implies colourful hyperbole, legendarily is often better suited to vivid prose and informal commentary than to precise technical or legal writing.
adverbIn a manner or to a degree associated with a legend; so well known or successful as to become part of popular lore.
- In a manner or to an extent that has become part of popular legend.
"The small-town restaurant became legendarily popular after its founder appeared on national television."
"The team was legendarily undefeated during its first three seasons."
"Visitors still talk about the hotel's legendarily eccentric owner."
Some people become legendarily good at their jobs; others become legendarily bad at replying to emails.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legendarily come from?
Legendarily derives from legendary, which in turn comes from legend, a word of Latin origin associated with stories read aloud and traditions concerning a particular person or place. The development reflects a progression from a body of stories to something broadly known and celebrated, and finally to the adverb expressing that legendary quality. The Latin root is shared with cognates in several European languages, although the modern English form was shaped by the older French word legende.
Related word forms
How legendarily is actually used
The adverb is especially common in journalism and informal writing. It often conveys colorful exaggeration rather than a literal connection to an old legend, and constructions such as 'legendarily popular' may sound more natural than 'legendarily successful'.
Easily confused with legendarily
Legendary is an adjective, while legendarily is an adverb: a person or thing can be legendary, and an action can be performed legendarily.