eredità
/e.re.diˈta/
The English word 'legacy' can be translated into Italian as eredità, retaggio or lascito.
Meaning: something inherited from a predecessor, a heritage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| eredità | /e.re.diˈta/ | |
| retaggio | /reˈtad.d͡ʒo/ | masculine |
| lascito | /ˈlaʃ.ʃi.to/ | masculine |
The word refers to something inherited from a predecessor or a heritage.
Which one should you use?
eredità is the most common term used for both material inheritance, such as money and abstract legacies. retaggio is used specifically for an abstract legacy or cultural heritage. lascito refers to a bequest or something specifically left behind in a will.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the indefinite article with eredità, the feminine article una is elided to become un'eredità because the word starts with a vowel.
How do you pronounce it?
eredità is pronounced /e.re.diˈta/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Did you know?
- Italian law recognizes a concept called legittima, which is a reserved portion of an eredità that cannot be taken away from close relatives, regardless of what is written in a will.
- In Italian, the word eredità can be used to describe a genetic legacy. A person might say they inherited a specific physical trait or a temperament as an eredità from their parents.
- The word retaggio entered the Italian language via Old French, rather than directly from Latin. This makes it a linguistic cousin to the English word 'heritage'.
Examples in context
- Il denaro è un'eredità di mia zia.The money is a legacy from my aunt.This sentence is useful for showing how money can be an eredità.Tatoeba #3403959 by Guybrush88, translation #3403949 by JiMin
- Si è sempre figurato un bambino che avrebbe incarnato la sua eredità.He always envisioned a child who would embody his legacy.This sentence illustrates the use of eredità when talking about embodying a legacy.Tatoeba #13479561 by Nuel, translation #13479558 by Nuel
- Verso la fine della sua vita, ha iniziato a preoccuparsi molto su quale sarebbe la sua eredità.Near the end of his life, he started to worry a lot about what his legacy would be.This sentence shows how someone might worry about their eredità near the end of their life.Tatoeba #5122117 by Guybrush88, translation #3764942 by bobking12
- L'eredità del famoso artista continua a vivere nei suoi dipinti.The famous artist's legacy lives on in his paintings
- Il patrimonio intellettuale del professore è profondo.The professor's intellectual legacy is profound
- Il retaggio architettonico della città è impressionante.The town's architectural legacy is impressive
- L'eredità di mio nonno è la sua incredibile etica del lavoro.My grandfather's legacy is his incredible work ethic.
- Il patrimonio artistico dello stilista si può vedere nei suoi design iconici.The fashion designer's artistic legacy can be seen in their iconic designs.
- L'eredità della nostra famiglia è basata sull'unità e sulla resilienza.Our family's legacy is one of unity and resilience.
- Il retaggio della pittrice vive attraverso i suoi capolavori.The painter's legacy lives on through her masterpieces.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are visiting an old museum.
- AlessandroQuesta città ha un'eredità culturale incredibile.This city has an incredible cultural legacy.
- MartinaSì, si sente in ogni angolo delle strade.Yes, you can feel it in every corner of the streets.
- AlessandroDobbiamo proteggere questa eredità per il futuro.We must protect this legacy for the future.
- MartinaSono d'accordo, Alessandro, è un nostro dovere.I agree, Alessandro, it is our duty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legacy” translations and entries eredità, retaggio, lascito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eredità, retaggio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
