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Glite Dictionary
legacy of imperialism

legacy of imperialism

7.6
Long-lasting political, economic, and social problems that continue after one country ruled another
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛɡəsi əv ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪzəm/
  • Formal
translation icon : herencia del imperialismo
  • Educational inequality in former colonies is often traced back to the legacy of imperialism.

Examples

  • The legacy of imperialism is evident in the political boundaries drawn in many African countries.

  • Debates over reparations are frequently linked to the legacy of imperialism.

  • The legacy of imperialism is still felt in many countries today.

  • Many nations are grappling with the legacies of imperialism.

  • The legacy of imperialism is evident in the political boundaries drawn in many African countries.

  • Educational inequality in former colonies is often traced back to the legacy of imperialism.

  • Debates over reparations are frequently linked to the legacy of imperialism.

Synonyms

effects of imperialism
vslegacy of imperialism
  • Formal
7.3

Changes and problems caused when one country controls another, often in colonies

focuses on long lasting consequences that continue after the period of control
consequences of colonialism
vslegacy of imperialism
6.7

Long-lasting effects when one country controls another

highlights lasting political, economic, social, and cultural consequences after exploitation

Surface Forms

legacy of imperialism singular
legacies of imperialism plural

Morphology

legacy + of + imperialism

The phrase's meaning is directly compositional: 'legacy' (what is passed down) combined with 'imperialism' (colonial rule) yields the enduring effects of imperialism. The 'of' construction simply links the two nouns in a common, cross-linguistic possession/association pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The phrase legacy of imperialism shows two simple ideas: legacy, something left behind, and imperialism, when a powerful country rules another land. Imagine that country building schools, laws, borders and systems that stay after it leaves and keep shaping life and politics, so the phrase means 'the long-lasting effects left by past empire rule'.