What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heritage
Example
The city's heritage is preserved in its historic buildings and museums. [heritage: noun]
Example
My family's heritage includes traditional music and dance. [heritage: noun]
legacy
Example
The athlete's legacy includes breaking several world records. [legacy: noun]
Example
She hopes to leave a positive legacy through her charitable work. [legacy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heritage and legacy are both commonly used words in English, but heritage is more commonly used in the context of cultural and historical preservation, while legacy is more commonly used in the context of personal or organizational impact.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heritage and legacy?
Both heritage and legacy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but heritage may be more commonly used in academic or professional settings related to history, culture, and tourism, while legacy may be more commonly used in personal or business contexts related to reputation and succession planning.
