student asking question

What's the difference between "legend" and "myth"? Are they interchangeable like "urban legend" and "urban myth"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Good question! A "legend" is a story that is based on historical facts and historical people but has become exaggerated and overtime, the truth has been distorted. A "myth" is a symbolic story often used to explain difficult concepts, however, it is not usually based on facts but is made up. An "urban legend" is a legend that people believe to be true. The phrase "urban myth" is often used to replace "urban legend" because "myth" and "legend" are often used interchangeably even though they have different meanings. However, an "urban myth" would refer to a myth that people accept as truth.

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