English Lexicon

Legacy

/ˈlɛɡəsi/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.

    "She received a small legacy from her grandmother."
  2. 2

    Anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.

    "The dictatorship left a legacy of economic ruin."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'legacy' originates from the Latin word 'legatia', meaning 'delegation' or 'envoy', which evolved in Middle English to refer to a bequest or inheritance left by a deceased person. Over time, it has broadened to encompass the lasting impact or influence one leaves behind.

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