inheritance
Inheritance is the money, property, or objects you receive from someone when they die. It can also refer to physical characteristics like eye color that you get from your parents through your genes.
Examples
3 of 5He bought a house with the inheritance from his grandfather.
He bought a house with the inheritance from his grandfather.
The distribution of the inheritance followed the instructions in the will.
The distribution of the inheritance followed the instructions in the will.
I'm hoping for a big inheritance so I can stop working!
I'm hoping for a big inheritance so I can stop working!
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Heir' who is 'In' the family getting money: In-Heir-itance.
Quick Quiz
She received a large ________ after her wealthy aunt passed away.
Correct!
The correct answer is: inheritance
Examples
He bought a house with the inheritance from his grandfather.
everydayHe bought a house with the inheritance from his grandfather.
The distribution of the inheritance followed the instructions in the will.
formalThe distribution of the inheritance followed the instructions in the will.
I'm hoping for a big inheritance so I can stop working!
informalI'm hoping for a big inheritance so I can stop working!
Genetic inheritance determines many aspects of a person's health.
academicGenetic inheritance determines many aspects of a person's health.
The family business faced difficulties due to complex inheritance laws.
businessThe family business faced difficulties due to complex inheritance laws.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
come into an inheritance
to receive money or property when someone dies
biological inheritance
the passing of physical traits from parents
right of inheritance
the legal right to receive a dead person's property
Often Confused With
Heritage refers to cultural traditions and history, while inheritance usually refers to specific money or property.
Succession is the act of following in order (like a king), while inheritance is what is actually received.
Usage Notes
The word is used most often in legal contexts regarding wills, but it is also a key term in biology (genetics).
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell it as 'inherritance' with a double 'r'. Also, don't confuse the verb 'inherit' with the noun.
Memory Tip
Think of an 'Heir' who is 'In' the family getting money: In-Heir-itance.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'enheritance', coming from the Latin 'hereditas' meaning heirship.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, inheritance tax is a debated political topic regarding wealth distribution.
Quick Quiz
She received a large ________ after her wealthy aunt passed away.
Correct!
The correct answer is: inheritance
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