Hereditary: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to traits, qualities, or conditions passed down from one generation to another, often related to diseases or titles.

• The disease is hereditary, affecting multiple generations of the family
• The king's title is hereditary, passed from father to son

Use when referring to traits, possessions, or conditions received from predecessors, often involving tangible items or qualities.

• He inherited his grandmother's house after she passed away
• She has inherited her father's talent for music

Use when referring to something related to genes or genetics, often in the context of biology or medicine.

• Scientists are studying the genetic factors that contribute to the disease
• Her eye color is a genetic trait

Use when referring to something belonging to or inherited from one's ancestors, often related to inheritance, traditions, or lineage.

• They visited their ancestral home in Scotland
• She wore an ancestral necklace that had been in the family for generations

Used typically to describe traits, diseases, or titles passed down through family generations.

• Hemophilia is a hereditary condition.
• The prince inherited the throne as part of his hereditary right.

Describes qualities or characteristics that are present from birth, usually referring to natural abilities or instincts.

• She has an inborn talent for music.
• The baby's inborn reflexes were tested by the doctor.

Refers to traits, possessions, or titles received from previous generations, both biologically or as a legacy.

• He inherited his father's business.
• Her eye color is inherited from her mother.

Used to describe qualities or characteristics that are a fundamental part of a person or thing's nature which are present from birth.

• Her kindness is innate.
• The ability to think critically is sometimes considered an innate skill.