word choice - "Legend" or "key"?


What is the difference between a legend or a key? Is it still called a legend if it is located at the top, rather than the bottom of results?



Answer



"Legend" implies that its entries are generics, as with terrain types on a map, while "key" implies that its entries are specific, as with one symbol designating the Museum of Natural History, another the Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc. Generally, nobody is going to get real mad no matter which you use. It doesn't matter where they're located.


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