Legend vs. Icon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Legend" typically refers to a famous person known for their achievements, while "Icon" denotes a symbol or a figure highly regarded in a specific field.
Difference Between Legend and Icon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Legend" commonly pertains to someone who has gained fame over time, due to their exceptional deeds or achievements. Conversely, "Icon" can refer to someone or something that serves as a representative symbol in a particular domain.
In the realm of storytelling, "Legend" is a traditional tale or narrative often considered historical but not necessarily verified. On the other hand, "Icon" in a computer or graphic context refers to a pictorial representation of a program or function.
"Legend" conveys a sense of longevity, suggesting a legacy built over time. In contrast, an "Icon" might achieve iconic status relatively quickly based on their distinctive image or influence.
While "Legend" usually emphasizes the feats and accomplishments of an individual, "Icon" often emphasizes the symbolic importance or the influential imagery associated with the person or object.
In a broader sense, a "Legend" is an individual whose stories or deeds have become an integral part of a culture's fabric. "Icon," however, is more about symbolic representation, either as a figure or a graphic emblem.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A famous person known for their achievements.
A symbol or figure highly regarded in a specific field.
Usage in Storytelling
A traditional tale or narrative.
A pictorial representation of a program or function.
Emphasis
On feats and accomplishments.
On symbolic importance or influential imagery.
Cultural Context
Integral to a culture's narratives.
Represents certain ideals or values in a culture.
Duration/Longevity
Implies a legacy built over time.
Can achieve iconic status in a relatively short time.
Compare with Definitions
Legend
A person who is very well-known for their skills or accomplishments.
Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.
Icon
A symbol or graphic representation on a screen.
Click on the trash bin icon to delete the file.
Legend
Someone who is admired by many for a particular talent or quality.
The musician was a legend in his own time.
Icon
A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol.
Madonna is often seen as a pop icon.
Legend
An explanatory caption for a diagram or chart.
Refer to the map's legend to understand the symbols.
Icon
A religious work of art, typically in the Eastern Christian Church.
The church displayed an ancient icon of Saint George.
Legend
A legend is a genre of folklore that consists of a narrative featuring human actions perceived or believed both by teller and listeners to have taken place within human history. Narratives in this genre may demonstrate human values, and possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude.
Icon
A sign or representation that stands for its object.
The lion is an icon of courage and strength.
Legend
An unverified story handed down from earlier times, especially one popularly believed to be historical.
Icon
An icon (from the Greek εἰκών eikṓn 'image, resemblance') is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, the Roman Catholic, and certain Eastern Catholic churches. They are not simply artworks; "an icon is a sacred image used in religious devotion".
Legend
A body or collection of such stories.
Icon
A devotional painting of Christ or another holy figure, typically executed on wood and used ceremonially in the Byzantine and other Eastern Churches.
Legend
See urban legend.
Icon
A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration
This iron-jawed icon of American manhood
Legend
One that inspires legends or achieves legendary fame
She is a legend in her own time.
Icon
A symbol or graphic representation on a screen of a program, option, or window.
Legend
An inscription or title on an object, such as a coin.
Icon
A sign which has a characteristic in common with the thing it signifies, for example the word snarl pronounced in a snarling way.
Legend
An explanatory caption accompanying an illustration.
Icon
An image; a representation.
Legend
An explanatory table or list of the symbols appearing on a map or chart.
Icon
A representation or picture of a sacred or sanctified Christian personage, traditionally used and venerated in the Eastern Church.
Legend
An unrealistic story depicting past events.
Icon
An important and enduring symbol
"The disposable lighter is an icon of the throwaway mentality that began to take shape in the years following World War II" (Susan Freinkel).
Legend
A story of unknown origin describing plausible but extraordinary past events.
The legend of Troy was discovered to have a historical basis.
Icon
One who is the object of great attention and devotion; an idol
"He is ... a pop icon designed and manufactured for the video generation" (Harry F. Waters).
Legend
A plausible story set in the historical past, but whose historicity is uncertain.
The legend of Robin Hood
Icon
(Computers) A picture on a screen that represents a specific file, directory, window, option, or program.
Legend
A story in which a kernel of truth is embellished to an unlikely degree.
The 1984 Rose Bowl prank has spawned many legends. Here's the real story.
Icon
An image, symbol, picture, or other representation usually as an object of religious devotion.
Legend
A fabricated backstory for a spy, with associated documents and records.
According to his legend, he once worked for the Red Cross, spreading humanitarian aid in Africa.
Icon
A type of religious painting portraying a saint or scene from Scripture, often done on wooden panels.
Legend
A person related to a legend or legends.
Icon
(by extension) A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing.
That man is an icon in the business; he personifies loyalty and good business sense.
Legend
A leading protagonist in a historical legend.
Achilles is a legend in Greek culture.
Icon
(graphical user interface) A small picture that represents something.
Click the loudspeaker icon to configure audio settings.
Legend
A person with legend-like qualities, such as extraordinary accomplishment.
Michael Jordan stands as a legend in basketball.
Icon
A word, character, or sign whose form reflects and is determined by the referent; onomatopoeic words are necessarily all icons.
Legend
A key to the symbols and color codes on a map, chart, etc.
According to the legend on the map, that building is a school.
Icon
An image or representation; a portrait or pretended portrait.
Netherlands whose names and icons are published.
Legend
An inscription, motto, or title, especially one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon a heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.
Icon
A sacred picture representing the Virgin Mary, Christ, a saint, or a martyr, and having the same function as an image of such a person in the Latin Church. The term is used especially for a highly stylized and conventionalized representation of a holy person, rich in symbolism and used in devotional services in many of the eastern Orthodox churches, especially the Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches.
Legend
A musical composition set to a poetical story.
Icon
A symbol, especially a symbol whose form suggests its meaning or the object it represents.
Legend
(naval) The design and specification of a vessel.
Icon
A graphical symbol for a data object whose form suggests the nature or function of the object; especially, such a symbol as viewed on the computer screen.
Legend
To tell or narrate; to recount.
Icon
Any object of uncritical devotion.
The former congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro is still an icon to many party members.
Legend
That which is appointed to be read; especially, a chronicle or register of the lives of saints, formerly read at matins, and in the refectories of religious houses.
Icon
An outstanding example of something which has come to represent the class of things to which it belongs; a paragon; used of persons as well as objects.
Legend
A story respecting saints; especially, one of a marvelous nature.
Icon
(computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
Legend
Any wonderful story coming down from the past, but not verifiable by historical record; a myth; a fable.
And in this legend all that glorious deed Read, whilst you arm you.
Icon
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Legend
An inscription, motto, or title, esp. one surrounding the field in a medal or coin, or placed upon an heraldic shield or beneath an engraving or illustration.
Icon
A conventional religious painting in oil on a small wooden panel; venerated in the Eastern Church
Legend
To tell or narrate, as a legend.
Icon
Someone or something that is successful and admired widely.
Steve Jobs is an icon in the tech industry.
Legend
A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
Legend
Brief description accompanying an illustration
Legend
A traditional story, sometimes believed to be historical but not verifiable.
King Arthur is a legend from British folklore.
Legend
A narrative that outlines the background or history of something.
The legend of this ancient artifact is quite intriguing.
Common Curiosities
Is an "Icon" always a visual symbol?
While often visual, "Icon" can refer to any representative symbol or influential person.
Is "Legend" always a person?
No, "Legend" can also be a story or an explanatory caption on diagrams.
Can "Legend" and "Icon" be used interchangeably?
While both can refer to highly regarded individuals, their contexts differ, so they're not always interchangeable.
Does a "Legend" always have a basis in history?
Not necessarily. Some legends are based on myths or unverified tales.
Can objects be "Iconic"?
Yes, certain objects, like the Eiffel Tower, can be considered icons.
Do all cultures have their "Legends" and "Icons"?
Yes, most cultures have individuals and stories regarded as legendary and symbols or figures seen as iconic.
Can stories be "Icons"?
Typically, stories are "Legends," but certain elements or symbols within stories can be "Iconic."
Is every "Icon" famous worldwide?
No, icons can be regional or specific to certain cultures or groups.
Are all "Icons" religious?
No, while "Icon" can refer to religious art, it can also denote secular symbols or figures.
Is every famous person a "Legend"?
Not necessarily. Being a "Legend" often implies a lasting legacy and significant impact.
Can a symbol on a computer screen be a "Legend"?
Typically, on screens, symbols are referred to as "Icons." "Legend" often denotes an explanatory caption on maps or charts.
How quickly can someone become an "Icon"?
Some achieve iconic status rapidly due to their influence, while others take longer.
Can places be "Legendary" or "Iconic"?
Yes, certain places can be considered legendary due to stories or historical events, and others can be iconic due to their symbolism or fame.
What makes someone a "Legend" in sports?
Exceptional skills, achievements, and a lasting impact on the sport.
How does an "Icon" differ from an idol?
While both are highly regarded, an "Icon" often represents broader ideals or values, while an idol is specifically admired or worshiped.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
