What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bequest
Example
She received a generous bequest from her late grandmother. [bequest: noun]
Example
He decided to bequest his antique collection to the local museum. [bequest: verb]
legacy
Example
His father's legacy as a great musician inspired him to pursue a career in music. [legacy: noun]
Example
She wanted to leave a positive legacy for future generations through her charitable work. [legacy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Legacy is more commonly used than bequest in everyday language. Legacy has a broader meaning and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while bequest is more specific and often used in legal or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bequest and legacy?
While bequest is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, legacy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
