Legacy
What we leave behind and what we're blamed for.
How We Say It
legΒ·ΙΒ·see
Where It Comes From
Medieval Latin legatia β office of a legate, then bequest. From legare β to send as a deputy, to bequeath. Originally strictly about property left at death. The broader sense β what one leaves behind in terms of influence or reputation β is a modern extension.
How It's Been Used
Politicians, athletes, and executives are evaluated constantly on their 'legacy' β an accounting that happens before and after death. The word implies that actions will be judged by a future that may have different values. 'Legacy admission' to universities repurposes the word to describe inherited privilege.