Posterity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ถ
posterity
[pษหหstษrษชti ]
Definition
for future generations
All future generations of people are also referred to as posterity. The word posterity is often used to describe the descendants of a specific person or group of people. It emphasizes the idea of continuity and legacy.
Synonyms
descendants, heirs, offspring, successors.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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posterity |
Used to talk about future generations in a broad sense, emphasizing long-term continuity and impact.
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descendants |
Refers to people who are related to someone from an earlier generation, often focusing on lineage and ancestry.
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offspring |
Refers to the biological children or young of a person, animal, or plant. Often used in a biological or familial context.
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heirs |
Typically used in legal or financial contexts to describe individuals who are entitled to inherit someone's property or title after they die. Can carry a slightly formal or contractual tone.
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successors |
Used to indicate those who follow another in a specific role, position, or office, highlighting the aspect of continuation.
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Examples of usage
- Let's preserve this ancient artifact for posterity.
- Our actions today will impact posterity.
- The decisions we make now will shape the world for posterity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'posterity'
The word 'posterity' comes from the Latin word 'posteritas', which means 'future generations'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to all future generations of people. The concept of posterity has been important in many cultures throughout history, as it emphasizes the idea of passing down values, traditions, and knowledge to future generations.
See also: posterior.