legacy

/'legəsi/

Thân thiện

A grandfather leaves a cherished watch as a legacy to his grandson.

Definition

Noun: 1. Money or property left to someone in a will: A legacy is something, especially money or property, that is given to a person or organization after the death of the person who owned it. 2. Something handed down from the past: A legacy can also be a situation, tradition, problem, or attitude that exists because of events or actions in the past.

Examples

• Noun (Property from a will):
  • She received a small legacy from her aunt.
  • The museum was built with a legacy left by a wealthy businessman.
• Noun (Something from the past):
  • The country is still dealing with the legacy of war.
  • His scientific discoveries are his greatest legacy.

Advanced Usage

• "A legacy of [something]": Used to describe a long-lasting effect, often negative, resulting from a past event or period.
  • The factory closure left a legacy of unemployment in the town.
• "To leave a legacy": To be remembered for something you did or created.
  • The artist wanted to leave a legacy of beautiful public sculptures.

Variants and Related Words

• Legatee (n): A person who receives a legacy.
  • The main legatee in the will was his daughter.
• Legacy system (n, computing): An old method, technology, or computer system that is still in use.
  • The bank is slowly replacing its legacy systems.

Synonyms

• Inheritance: Money or property received from someone after their death.
• Bequest: The act of giving property in a will, or the property given.
• Heritage: Valued objects and qualities, such as traditions, that have been passed down from previous generations.

Related Idioms

• A mixed legacy: A situation where the things left behind by a person or event include both good and bad aspects.
  • The former leader left behind a mixed legacy of economic growth and social unrest.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (law) a gift of personal property by will

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bequest