Legacy
/ˈleɡəsi/
Definitions
3 meaningsSomething left or handed down from a predecessor, the past, or a previous generation; often something of lasting value or significance.
/ˈleɡəsi/
Something handed down from a predecessor.
The Roman Empire left a legacy of law and engineering that continues to influence the world.
💡 Simply: Imagine your grandparents had a really cool collection of old toys. Their collection is like their legacy – it's something valuable they left behind for you. A legacy can be a memory, an accomplishment, or something you inherit.
👶 For kids: A legacy is like a special gift someone leaves behind, like a good memory or something they made.
More Examples
His musical innovations created a lasting legacy in the history of jazz.
The company's commitment to sustainability is a positive legacy for the planet.
How It's Used
"The museum is dedicated to preserving the artistic legacy of the Renaissance."
"The company aims to build a strong financial legacy for its shareholders."
"She wanted her work to be a lasting legacy for future generations."
A gift of property, especially money, by will.
/ˈleɡəsi/
An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.
He was bequeathed a legacy of stocks and bonds.
💡 Simply: When someone dies and leaves you money or property in their will, that's a legacy. It's like a special present given after they're gone.
👶 For kids: A legacy is when someone leaves you a special treasure or money in their will.
More Examples
The will specified a legacy for each of the grandchildren.
She contested the terms of the legacy she was given.
How It's Used
"She received a substantial legacy from her aunt's estate."
Relating to or denoting software or hardware that is outdated but still in use.
/ˈleɡəsi/
Relating to or based on a system or technology that is no longer current.
The company's legacy software was slow and difficult to maintain.
💡 Simply: This describes old technology that still works. It's like a vintage car that still runs well, even though there are newer models.
👶 For kids: This is like old stuff that still works!
More Examples
They are working to migrate from their legacy infrastructure to a cloud-based solution.
Upgrading the legacy system will improve efficiency.
How It's Used
"The company needed to upgrade its legacy systems."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
legacy system
An outdated computer system or software that is still in use.
"The company is struggling to maintain its legacy system."
From Middle English *legacie*, from Medieval Latin *lēgātia*, from Latin *lēgātus* ('envoy, deputy, legate'), past participle of *lēgō* ('to send as a deputy, bequeath').
The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially referring specifically to a bequest.
Memory tip
Think of a 'league' of ancestors leaving behind 'sea' of memories and accomplishments.