legacy
LEG-uh-see
/ˈleɡəsi/
Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor; the long-term impact of an event or period.
In sports, 'legacy' often refers to the infrastructure (stadiums, transport) and social changes left behind after a major tournament.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'legare,' meaning to leave by will. Originally a legal term for property left to someone, it expanded in the 20th century to describe the enduring physical and social effects of large-scale events like the Olympics.
Word relationships
- inheritance: Inheritance is usually money or property; legacy is often more abstract, like a reputation or a social impact.
- bequest: A bequest is a formal gift in a will; a legacy is the broader impact of that gift or life.
Commonly confused with
- legend: A legend is a famous person or story; a legacy is what that person or story leaves behind.
Word family
- legacies (noun): plural of legacy
Collocations
- lasting legacy
- leave a legacy
- cultural legacy
- legacy project
Example sentences
- "The city hoped the new stadium would be a lasting legacy of the Games." Post-Olympic impact.
- "The legacy of the past is not a burden, but a foundation for the future." Real citation on historical impact.
Memory hook
A 'legacy' is what you 'leave' for the next 'generation'. Legacy = Leave behind.
When not to use
Don't use it for a short-term result; it must be something that lasts for years or decades.
Fun facts
- The 'London 2012' Olympics are often cited as a successful example of urban legacy, transforming a derelict part of the city.
Related words
Explore more words
ancestral, heritage, hereditary, predecessor, tradition, patrimony
Also appears in
- Relationships → Generational Differences
- Technology → Technological Obsolescence
- Finance → Philanthropy & Charitable Giving
- Time & History → Preservation & Archiving
- Time & History → Ancestry & Heritage
- Time & History → Commemoration & Remembrances
- Occasions, Holidays & Parties → Retirement Celebrations
- Student Life & Schooling → Greek Life & Fraternities/Sororities
- Student Life & Schooling → College Alumni & Networking
- Devices & Everyday Tech → Software Updates & Installation
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.