Heirs: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal or formal contexts to refer to people who are legally entitled to inherit property or titles upon someone's death. Often used in the context of estates, wills, and family inheritances.

• The estate was divided among the deceased's heirs.
• As the heir to the throne, he was prepared for a life of duty.

Refers to individuals who take over a role, position, or responsibility after someone else, commonly used in business, leadership, or positions of authority. It is often used in professional or organizational settings.

• The CEO announced her retirement and introduced her successor.
• He groomed her to be his successor as head of the department.

Used to describe individuals or entities that receive benefits, money, or other advantages, especially from financial products like life insurance policies, trusts, or governments. It is typically used in a financial or legal context.

• The beneficiaries of the trust fund will receive monthly payments.
• She named her children as beneficiaries on her life insurance policy.

Used when referring to people who receive property, titles, or estate from a deceased person, usually someone within the family. Often seen in legal and personal contexts regarding inheritance.

• After the millionaire's death, his heirs inherited his vast fortune.
• The royal heirs are being prepared for their future roles in the monarchy.

This term is used in both business and legal contexts to describe a person who follows another in a role, office, or position. It suggests continuation or replacement rather than inheritance.

• The company's CEO announced his retirement and named Jane as his successor.
• After the sudden departure of the leader, the board quickly appointed a successor to fill the role.

Commonly used in legal contexts to describe a person who receives personal property or money through a will. It is typically more precise than 'heirs' and does not necessarily imply family relationship.

• The legatee received a substantial amount of money from the deceased's will.
• As the sole legatee, she was given all the personal belongings listed in the will.