1. Something passed down from the past: This is the most common meaning of legacy. It refers to anything inherited from a previous generation, such as:
* Material possessions: A family home, heirloom jewelry, or a collection of books.
* Ideas and traditions: Religious beliefs, cultural practices, or societal norms.
* Reputation and influence: The legacy of a famous artist, scientist, or political figure.
2. Something left behind after death: This refers to the lasting impact or impression a person has on the world after they die. It can be positive (like a legacy of kindness or innovation) or negative (like a legacy of violence or oppression).
3. Something that is outdated or obsolete: This meaning is often used in technology, referring to systems or software that are no longer supported or considered current.
4. Something that is "legacy" in a company: This refers to older systems or applications that are still in use, but are often considered less efficient or less secure than newer technologies.
Examples:
* "My grandfather left me a legacy of antique furniture." (meaning 1)
* "The legacy of the Civil War continues to affect the United States today." (meaning 2)
* "That old computer is running legacy software that's no longer supported." (meaning 3)
* "The company is still using a legacy system that is slowing down operations." (meaning 4)
It's important to understand the context in which "legacy" is being used to determine its precise meaning.