Something handed down or left behind by someone who has died, such as money, property, or a lasting influence. It can also mean the impact or reputation someone leaves after their actions.
From Medieval Latin *legatia* meaning “office of a deputy or ambassador,” and earlier Latin *legare* meaning “to bequeath or send as a representative.” Over time, the focus shifted from the person sent to what was left behind.
A legacy isn’t just money; it’s also habits, systems, and stories that keep shaping people long after you’re gone. In tech, “legacy systems” show how old choices can trap the future—your personal habits can do the same.
'Legacy' in legal and cultural history often referred to property and titles passed through patrilineal lines, reflecting male‑dominated inheritance systems. This contributed to the erasure of women’s intellectual and creative legacies, which were less likely to be recorded or preserved.
When discussing legacies, include and name contributions from women and gender‑diverse people, and avoid assuming that legacy is primarily about family name or male lineage.
Highlight that many scientific, artistic, and political 'legacies' commonly attributed to men were built on foundational work by women and marginalized collaborators who were not credited at the time.
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