legacy
legacy
Pronunciation
ˈlɛɡəsi
Syllable Breakdown:
ˈlɛɡ
l - /l/ (alveolar lateral approximant)
ɛ - /ɛ/ (open-mid front unrounded vowel)
ɡ - /ɡ/ (voiced velar stop)
əsi
ə - /ə/ (reduced vowel, schwa)
s - /s/ (voiceless alveolar fricative)
i - /i/ (high front unrounded vowel)
Word Form Variations
The word "legacy" itself is already in its singular form.
The plural form of "legacy" is "legacies".
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition:
Something transmitted by an ancestor or predecessor; an inheritance.
The impact or effect of past actions or events on the present or future.
Synonyms:
Inheritance, bequest, endowment, tradition, heritage, heirloom, posterity, residue
Antonyms:
Disinheritance, forfeiture, deprivation, loss, oblivion, extinction
Verb:
Definition:
To leave as an inheritance; to bequeath.
To hand down or transmit from an ancestor or predecessor.
Synonyms:
Bequeath, transmit, pass on, hand down, bestow, leave, inherit
Antonyms:
Disinherit, forfeit, deprive, withhold, lose, squander
Adjective:
Definition:
Pertaining to or constituting a legacy.
Passed down from an ancestor or predecessor.
Synonyms:
Inherited, bequeathed, handed-down, traditional, ancestral, historical
Antonyms:
New, original, innovative, modern, contemporary, acquired
Examples of Use
Books:
"The weight of family history, the burden of a powerful legacy, can be a heavy thing to bear." (From the novel "The House of the Spirits" by Isabel Allende)
Newspapers:
"The late senator's legacy of environmental protection will be his enduring mark on the state." (The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"Examining the lasting legacy of the Civil Rights Movement." (Article on the website of the Smithsonian Institution)
Entertainment:
Film: In the movie "The Godfather," the central theme revolves around the power and corruption of the Corleone family legacy.
Music: The song "Legacy" by Maroon 5 explores themes of family, responsibility, and leaving a positive mark on the world.
General Public Discourse:
"I want to leave a legacy of kindness and compassion." (A common sentiment expressed in everyday conversations)
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the word "legacy" and its frequent use in various contexts.
10 Famous Quotes Using Legacy
"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." – Shannon L. Alder
"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." – Billy Graham
"Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation." – Vitor Belfort
"Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs." – Steve Saint
"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." – Benjamin Disraeli
"A legacy is not leaving something for people. It's leaving something in people." – Peter Strople
"We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will." – Chuck Palahniuk
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." – Pericles
"Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference. That’s your legacy." – Denzel Washington
"Everyone must leave something behind when he dies... A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. A legacy of something your hand touched." – Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
Etymology
The word "legacy" has a fascinating history!
Roots: It comes from the Latin word "legatus," which meant "ambassador" or "envoy."
Shift in Meaning: Over time, the meaning shifted. In the 14th century, "legacy" started referring to something left behind in a will, like money or property.
Broader Definition: Today, we use "legacy" more broadly to describe anything passed down from the past, like traditions, values, or the impact of someone's actions.
So, while it originally referred to a specific legal term, "legacy" now has a richer meaning that connects us to the past and shapes our understanding of the present and future.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Legacy
Here are a few phrases and idioms that use "legacy" or related concepts:
"To leave a lasting legacy": This is a common and straightforward phrase, meaning to have a significant and enduring impact on the world.
"To carry on the legacy": This means to continue the work, traditions, or values of someone or something in the past.
"A tarnished legacy": This refers to a reputation or history that has been damaged or discredited by negative actions or events.
Phrases with Similar Meaning (using synonyms):
"To live on in memory"
"To be remembered for the ages"
"To pass the torch"
Original Phrases:
"To bear the weight of a heavy legacy": This emphasizes the potential burden of living up to the expectations or achievements of ancestors.
"To cultivate a legacy of kindness": This encourages the conscious effort to build a positive and enduring impact through acts of compassion.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of legacy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
