legacy
LEG-uh-see
/ˈlɛɡəsi/
Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor from the past.
Can be money/property, but more often refers to an intangible impact, reputation, or set of ideas.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'legare,' meaning to 'appoint by a last will' or 'send as an ambassador.' It implies that the person is 'sending' something forward into the future.
Word relationships
- inheritance: Inheritance is usually strictly financial or biological; legacy is broader and more about influence.
- bequest: A bequest is a specific legal gift in a will; legacy is the overall impact.
Commonly confused with
- legend: A legend is a story; a legacy is the actual impact or items left behind.
Word family
- legatee (noun): A person who receives a legacy.
Collocations
- lasting legacy
- leave a legacy
- cultural legacy
Example sentences
- "The president's legacy will be his work on environmental protection." Discussing a political leader.
- "The legacy of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future." A quote about the future.
Memory hook
A Legacy is what you 'Leave' for the next 'Generation'. What remains when you are gone.
When not to use
Don't use it for a simple gift given while someone is still in the same role.
Fun facts
- In college admissions, a 'legacy' student is someone whose parents attended the same institution.
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
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Olympic & Global Tournaments
- Occasions, Holidays & Parties → Retirement Celebrations
- Student Life & Schooling → Greek Life & Fraternities/Sororities
- Student Life & Schooling → College Alumni & Networking
- Devices & Everyday Tech → Software Updates & Installation
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