Definition

Future generations of people, especially those who will live after us.

Example

The artist hoped that his work would be appreciated by posterity.

Conversation

I just finished reading a book about how our actions impact posterity.

That sounds interesting! It’s important to think about future generations.

Yeah, I never really considered how much we affect them.

Exactly! We should all do our part for a better future.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Posterity → It is formed from "post-" (meaning after) and "-erity" (derived from the Latin "serere", meaning to sow or to plant). The word refers to those who are born after us, or the descendants that come after us, as if they are the seeds sown for the future.

Memory Tip

Think of 'after' ('post-') and 'sowing' ('serere') to remember that 'posterity' means the descendants who come after us.

Visually Confused Words