Posterity Meaning and Definition
Posterity
Pronunciation
/ˈpəstəri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The descendants of a person or group of people; future generations.
Examples
- The family wanted to ensure their children and posterity would inherit the business.
- The politician worked tirelessly to secure a better future for her posterity.
Synonyms
- Heirs
- Successors
Antonyms
- Personal
- Immediate
Additional Information
Posterity refers to those who will come after us, often with significant implications for our legacies and the decisions we make. The concept of posterity is closely tied to our understanding of responsibility, legacy, and the impact we have on future generations.
Posterity can also refer to the collective descendants of a particular family, community, or group, often used in historical or genealogical contexts.
Etymology
The word “posterity” comes from the Latin “posteritas,” meaning “those who come after.”
Usage Notes
When using the term “posterity,” it’s important to consider the context in which it’s being used. In some cases, it might refer specifically to a person’s heirs or successors, while in others, it could refer to the broader concept of future generations.
Cultural References
Andrew Jackson’s last words, “I love my children and my country, and cherish the hope that posterity will vindicate my motives,” are a notable example of the term being used in a historical context.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“For the sake of posterity,” is a common idiom used to justify actions or decisions made for the benefit of future generations.
Related Words or Phrases
Heir, Successor, Legacy, Heritage
Collocations
For the sake of, Cherish the hope that, Out of consideration for
Frequency of Use
Due to its formal and somewhat archaic connotation, the term “posterity” is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it can be found in historical, literary, or philosophical contexts.
Common Misspellings
Postarity, Posteraty, Posteritie