Inheritance
/ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsProperty or a title passed down to an heir.
/ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/
The act of receiving property or a title from a deceased person.
He received a large inheritance from his uncle.
💡 Simply: It's like getting a present or a treasure from someone who's passed away. It could be money, a house, or even something special like jewelry.
👶 For kids: When someone you love who has passed away gives you something special, like their toys or some money.
More Examples
The lawyer helped her manage her inheritance wisely.
The house was part of the inheritance from her parents.
How It's Used
"She received a substantial inheritance from her grandmother's estate."
"The family's history was filled with stories of inheritance disputes."
A characteristic or quality passed from parents to offspring.
/ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/
A characteristic or quality that is passed down from one generation to the next.
She inherited her mother's artistic talent.
💡 Simply: Sometimes you get things from your parents or grandparents, like your eye color or maybe a love for singing, that are passed down to you. That's an inheritance!
👶 For kids: Something you get from your family, like your hair color or the way you smile.
More Examples
Intelligence is partly a matter of inheritance.
The family's strong work ethic was a valuable inheritance for the children.
How It's Used
"Eye color is often determined by genetic inheritance."
"The community preserved its cultural inheritance through traditional festivals."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
right of inheritance
The legal or moral entitlement to receive an inheritance.
"The law protects the right of inheritance for children."
inherit a fortune
To receive a large amount of money or property through inheritance.
"After her grandfather died, she unexpectedly inherited a fortune."
From Middle English *heritaunce*, from Anglo-French *eritage* (modern French *héritage*), from Latin *hereditas* ('inheritance, heirship'), from *heres* ('heir').
The term has been used in legal and familial contexts for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome. The concept of passing down property and titles is fundamental to many legal systems and cultures.
Memory tip
Think of a heritage, passed down to a 'heritor'.
Word Origin
"heir"