Bequeath: meaning, definitions and examples
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bequeath
[ bɪˈkwiːð ]
legal
To leave property to a person or other beneficiary by a will. The act of bequeathing typically involves the distribution of assets or personal belongings after the death of the testator. Bequeathing is a formal process that requires legal documentation and may involve specific instructions regarding the distribution of the estate.
Synonyms
hand down, leave, pass on, will
Examples of usage
- He decided to bequeath his antique watch collection to his grandson.
- In her will, she bequeathed her family home to a local charity.
general
To hand down or pass on something to future generations. Bequeathing can also refer to passing on intangible qualities or characteristics, such as knowledge, traditions, or values. It implies a sense of continuity and legacy.
Synonyms
bestow, convey, impart, transmit
Examples of usage
- The teacher sought to bequeath her passion for literature to her students.
- He hoped to bequeath a sense of responsibility to his children.
Translations
Translations of the word "bequeath" in other languages:
🇵🇹 legar
🇮🇳 वसीयत में देना
🇩🇪 vermachen
🇮🇩 mewariskan
🇺🇦 заповідати
🇵🇱 zapisać w testamencie
🇯🇵 遺贈する
🇫🇷 léguer
🇪🇸 legar
🇹🇷 miras bırakmak
🇰🇷 유증하다
🇸🇦 يورث
🇨🇿 odkázat
🇸🇰 odkázať
🇨🇳 遗赠
🇸🇮 zapustiti
🇮🇸 láta í erfðaskrá
🇰🇿 өсиет ету
🇬🇪 ანდერძით დატოვება
🇦🇿 vəsiyyət etmək
🇲🇽 legar
Word origin
The word 'bequeath' originated from the Old English word 'becwethan', which meant 'to say' or 'to declare'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to leave by will'. The concept of bequeathing has been a part of human society for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations where individuals would designate heirs for their possessions. Today, bequeathing is a common practice in estate planning and is governed by legal statutes to ensure the proper distribution of assets.