ENGLISH
REFERENCE

posterity

n.
C1 Advanced US //pɑˈstɛɹəti// UK //pɒstˈɛɹɪti// pos·ter·i·ty

n. the people who will live in the future. You use this word when you want to talk about how your actions or creations will be remembered by those who come after you.

n. the future generation of people; the descendants of those who are currently living. Often used in the context of historical legacy or long-term impact.


SIMPLE

The artist hoped his paintings would be remembered by posterity.

CONTEXTUAL

The historian argued that the treaty would be judged by posterity as a necessary step toward peace.

COMPLEX

While the immediate consequences of the policy were controversial, its long-term benefits were designed to ensure that future generations, or posterity, would inherit a more stable and prosperous world.

Synonyms
Origin

Late 14th century, from Middle French posterité, from Latin posteritas, from posterus (“following, coming after”), from post (“after”) (English post-).

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