Bequest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
bequest
[bษชหkwษst ]
Definitions
legal
A bequest is a gift of personal property or money in a will. It is a specific item or amount of money that is given to someone when the person who wrote the will dies. Bequests can range from small personal items to large sums of money.
Synonyms
endowment, inheritance, legacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bequest |
Typically used in legal or formal settings to refer to personal property or assets given through a will.
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| legacy |
Can refer to both tangible and intangible things passed down from one generation to another, including traditions, values, or achievements.
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| inheritance |
Used to describe money, property, or other assets received from someone after their death, typically within the family.
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| endowment |
Often refers to a donation or gift given to institutions like universities, hospitals, or charities, to provide ongoing financial support.
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Examples of usage
- She left a bequest of $10,000 to her favorite charity in her will.
- The painting was a bequest from his grandmother.
general
A bequest can also refer to something that is handed down or passed on from an ancestor or predecessor. It can be a tradition, a characteristic, or an idea that is inherited.
Synonyms
heritage, inheritance, legacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bequest |
Used when someone indicates a specific item or amount of property left to a beneficiary in a will.
|
| inheritance |
Often used when discussing the general passing down of property, money, or traits from parents to children. Can also have a legal connotation.
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| heritage |
Refers to cultural, familial, or national traditions and values passed down from previous generations.
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| legacy |
Refers to something handed down from an ancestor or from the past, often used to describe non-tangible things such as reputation or influence.
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Examples of usage
- The bequest of courage from his grandfather inspired him to face his fears.
- The bequest of knowledge from ancient civilizations has shaped our modern world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'bequest'
The word 'bequest' originated from the Old English word 'becwethan', which means 'to say, declare, or bequeath'. It has been used in legal contexts for centuries to refer to the act of leaving property or money in a will. Over time, the meaning of bequest has expanded to include the inheritance of intangible assets such as traditions and knowledge.