Legacy
Something handed down from an ancestor or from the past, such as money or property left in a will, or an enduring cultural, personal, or societal influence.
nounLegacy
Something handed down from an ancestor or from the past, such as money or property left in a will, or an enduring cultural, personal, or societal influence.
nounImagine This
The runner who aces the race claims that he has inherited his ancestor's genes for strong leg muscles.
Sounds Like
LEG-uh-see
Looks Like
LEG-ace (Aβs - the best)
Remember This
A legacy can be tangible (money, property) or intangible (values, traditions, reputation); the concept often involves long-lasting influence rather than a one-time gift.
Other Forms
Connect With
inheritance, bequest, heritage, patrimony, tradition
Note
Do not confuse legacy with inheritance (the actual assets received) or heritage (cultural background). A legacy is what is left behindβassets, ideas, or qualities that endure.
Study Deeper
- Her grandmother's legacy funded her college education.
- The town preserves its architectural legacy for future generations.
From Old French legacie, from Latin legatia, ultimately from legΔre 'to bequeath' or 'to appoint by will'.
Leave Every Gift And Culture, You.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Depose
verbTo remove someone from a throne or other high office, typically through political or legal action.
Homage
nounHonor or tribute shown publicly or personally; respect paid to someone or something.
Tact
nounThe ability to deal with people and delicate situations in a sensitive, considerate, and diplomatic way; choosing words and actions carefully to avoid offense.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).