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Definition legacy in British English

legacy noun

[countable] noun
/ˈleɡəsi/
1

money or property that you arrange for someone to have after you die

Example

My grandmother died and left me a small legacy.

2

something such as a tradition or problem that exists as a result of something that happened in the past

Example

The war left an enduring legacy of bitterness and suspicion.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

something that someone has achieved that continues to exist after they stop working or die

Example

Perhaps her most important legacy was her programme of educational reform.

Synonyms and related words
3

the principle that a thing which exists as a result of something that happened in the past can later be used in a different way

Example

It is not too late to create a genuine Olympics legacy, but many opportunities have already been missed.

Synonyms and related words
4

still used although it is no longer the most modern or advanced, because it would be very expensive or difficult to replace

Example

legacy software/application/media

Example

UK banks have legacy systems that have been in place for decades.

Definition legacy in British English