legacy

Everyday

1. A legacy is money or property left to someone by a person who has died. tree →
2. Something that stays after a person or event is gone, such as their ideas, buildings or effects: «his legacy». tree →
3. (computing) Legacy systems are old technology still in use. tree →

In the lessons

Used in history (the legacy of the Romans), news and family stories. Phrases: «leave a legacy», «a lasting legacy». It tells the reader something remains from the past.

Examples

• The Romans' legacy includes roads and bridges. tree →
• Her grandfather left her a small legacy. tree →
• The coach's legacy is a winning team. tree →
• Plastic pollution is a harmful legacy. tree →
• The scientist left a legacy of discoveries. tree →
• The school wants to leave a good legacy. tree →
• Well, just such a cupboard stood in a parlor, and had been left to the family as a legacy by the great-grandmother. tree →

Note

Plural: legacies. Not the same as «legend». Formal-ish; «inheritance» is the money sense too.