What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
legacy
Example
The family's legacy was to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. [legacy: noun]
Example
The musician's legacy lives on through his timeless music. [legacy: noun]
Example
She left a legacy of kindness and generosity that inspired many. [legacy: noun]
tradition
Example
It's a tradition in our family to have a big feast on Thanksgiving. [tradition: noun]
Example
The festival celebrates the ancient traditions of the indigenous people. [traditions: plural noun]
Example
The company has a tradition of promoting from within. [tradition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tradition is more commonly used than legacy in everyday language. Tradition is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while legacy is less common and often used in more formal or specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between legacy and tradition?
While tradition can be used in both formal and informal contexts, legacy is generally associated with a more formal tone due to its connotations of inheritance and impact.