legacy
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
Something (e.g., property, money, or a tradition) handed down from the past.
The long-lasting impact, reputation, or consequences of a person, event, or period.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to tangible inheritance (legal/wills) or intangible influence (historical, cultural). Often has positive connotations but can be neutral or negative (e.g., a legacy of pollution).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with historical/institutional tradition in UK usage; in US, frequently used in computing/business ('legacy system').
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
legacy of [noun/noun phrase]legacy from [source]legacy to [heir/recipient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Leave a legacy”
- “A legacy to live up to”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to outdated but still operational technology or processes ('legacy software').
Academic
Discusses the lasting impact of historical figures, movements, or ideas.
Everyday
Used to talk about what someone is remembered for after they die, or family inheritance.
Technical
In computing, describes old systems integrated with new ones; in law, a gift left in a will.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The bank still runs on legacy infrastructure.
- They faced legacy issues from the previous management.
American English
- The company is phasing out its legacy hardware.
- Legacy admissions are a controversial policy at some universities.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Her grandmother left her a small legacy.
- The castle is part of our country's legacy.
- He left a legacy of kindness and generosity.
- The old computer system is a legacy from the 1990s.
- The environmental legacy of the industrial revolution is still felt today.
- The artist's legacy continues to influence young painters.
- The president's complex legacy was debated by historians for decades.
- Migrating data from the legacy platform posed significant technical challenges.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LEG being passed down through a family race (leg-a-sea) – a literal 'leg' representing something handed down in a relay.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT TO BE INHERITED; A PERSON'S LIFE IS A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'наследие' (which covers both 'legacy' and 'heritage'). 'Legacy' in a will context is closer to 'завещание' or 'наследство'.
- Do not use 'легаси' as a direct calque in formal Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'legacy' as a verb (incorrect: 'He legacied his estate'). Correct: 'He left a legacy of...' or 'He bequeathed...'.
- Confusing 'legacy' with 'legend'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'legacy' most likely to refer to a problem?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'legacy' is not standardly used as a verb. Use 'bequeath', 'leave', or 'hand down' instead.
It is an old method, technology, or computer system that is still in use, often because replacing it is difficult or costly.
No, 'legacy' is neutral. It can be positive (a legacy of peace), negative (a legacy of corruption), or mixed.
Both can refer to property from a will. 'Inheritance' is more legal and financial. 'Legacy' is broader, covering intangible things like ideas, reputation, and historical impact.