Hereditary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hereditary
[həˈrɛdɪt(ə)ri ]
Definitions
genetic
Passed or capable of being passed from parent to offspring by means of genes; inherited.
Synonyms
ancestral, genetic, inherited.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hereditary |
Use when referring to traits, qualities, or conditions passed down from one generation to another, often related to diseases or titles.
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| inherited |
Use when referring to traits, possessions, or conditions received from predecessors, often involving tangible items or qualities.
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| genetic |
Use when referring to something related to genes or genetics, often in the context of biology or medicine.
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| ancestral |
Use when referring to something belonging to or inherited from one's ancestors, often related to inheritance, traditions, or lineage.
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Examples of usage
- Hereditary diseases can be passed down through generations.
- The color of her eyes is hereditary, as it comes from her father.
- The royal family has a hereditary title that is passed on to the next generation.
traditional
Belonging to a person because of the position they were born into.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hereditary |
Used typically to describe traits, diseases, or titles passed down through family generations.
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| inborn |
Describes qualities or characteristics that are present from birth, usually referring to natural abilities or instincts.
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| inherited |
Refers to traits, possessions, or titles received from previous generations, both biologically or as a legacy.
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| innate |
Used to describe qualities or characteristics that are a fundamental part of a person or thing's nature which are present from birth.
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Examples of usage
- The prince has hereditary rights to the throne.
- Hereditary peerage is passed on to the eldest son.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In genetics, hereditary traits are determined by genes, which are passed from parents to offspring.
- Some diseases can be hereditary, meaning they are more likely to occur in a family due to shared genetics.
History
- Throughout history, royal titles and lands were often hereditary, passed down through family lines.
- The concept of heredity has influenced many societal structures, including inheritance laws and family lineage.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, hereditary themes often explore family secrets, like in the horror movie 'Hereditary' which revolves around a family's dark history.
- Many popular novels showcase characters struggling with hereditary traits, such as in 'The Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini.
Psychology
- Behavioral traits can also be hereditary, suggesting that personality aspects may be influenced by genetics.
- Studies reveal that certain mental health conditions can be hereditary, affecting how families cope with these challenges.
Origin of 'hereditary'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'hereditarius', meaning 'to inherit'.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe possessions passed from one generation to another.
The word 'hereditary' originated in the late 15th century, coming from the Latin word 'hereditarius' meaning 'inheritable'. It refers to traits or titles passed down through generations. The concept of heredity has been studied extensively in genetics and plays a crucial role in understanding the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.