Inherit: meaning, definitions and examples

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inherit

[ɪnˈhɛrɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

family

Receive something as a result of the death of the previous holder.

Synonyms

acquire, obtain, receive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inherit	Used primarily in the context of receiving something (usually property, money, or traits) from a family member after their death. She will inherit her grandmother's house. He inherited his father's blue eyes.
receive	Used in a general sense for getting something, which can be a physical object, information, or even an experience, without necessarily implying effort. I received a letter from my friend. He received the award for his outstanding performance.
obtain	Used when something is gained, received, or acquired, often suggesting that some action or effort was needed. She managed to obtain the information needed for the report. He obtained his visa after many months of waiting.
acquire	Used when you get something through your own efforts, purchase, or gain, often suggesting a process or effort involved. He acquired a new car last week. She has acquired a lot of experience in her job.

Examples of usage

He inherited the family business after his father passed away.
She inherited her grandmother's antique jewelry collection.
The prince will inherit the throne when the king abdicates.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

qualities

Derive (a quality, characteristic, or predisposition) genetically from one's parents or ancestors.

Synonyms

acquire, derive, take over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inherit	Used when receiving something from someone, usually after they have died. It generally refers to property, money, or titles. She will inherit her grandmother's house. He inherited a large fortune from his uncle.
derive	Suggests obtaining something from a specific source, highlighting the origin of the obtained item or knowledge. Many English words derive from Latin. He derives great satisfaction from helping others.
take over	Used in situations where control or responsibility is assumed, often in a business or organizational setting. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies force or lack of consent. The new manager will take over on Monday. A larger company is planning to take over the smaller one.
acquire	Refers to obtaining or gaining something, usually through effort, purchase, or some process. She acquired a new skill during the workshop. The company acquired a new subsidiary.

Examples of usage

She inherited her mother's artistic talent.
He inherited his father's sense of humor.
The children inherited their grandparents' blue eyes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'inherit' comes from the Latin 'inhereditare', which means to take over an estate.
Its roots lie in the prefix 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'hereditas' meaning 'heritage' or 'estate'.
In early English, it was spelled 'inherite', showing how language changes over time.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, the practice of inheritance is formalized through wills and legal documents.
Traditionally, firstborn males were favored for inheritance in many societies, known as primogeniture.
Some cultures have communal inheritance systems where property isn't owned by individuals but by the community.

Legal Aspects

Inheriting can involve legal processes like probate, which ensures the deceased's wishes are followed.
There are laws governing how estates are divided if a person dies without a will, known as intestate succession.
Different countries have varying inheritance laws that affect who can inherit and how much they receive.

Psychological Perspectives

Inheriting wealth can impact personal development and identity; it can create feelings of privilege or entitlement.
People may feel a sense of connection to their family history through the items passed down, influencing their self-perception.
Inheritance can also lead to conflicts among relatives, often bringing underlying family dynamics to the surface.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of inheritance, often focusing on family legacies and their impact on characters' lives.
Shakespeare's plays frequently address issues of inheritance, including power struggles within dynasties, like in 'King Lear'.
Inheritance is a central theme in the novel 'The Great Gatsby', highlighting the social divide and its consequences on character decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "inherit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 herdar

🇮🇳 विरासत में मिलना

🇩🇪 erben

🇮🇩 mewarisi

🇺🇦 успадкувати

🇵🇱 dziedziczyć

🇯🇵 相続する (そうぞくする)

🇫🇷 hériter

🇪🇸 heredar

🇹🇷 miras almak

🇰🇷 상속받다

🇸🇦 يرث

🇨🇿 dědit

🇸🇰 dedičiť

🇨🇳 继承 (jìchéng)

🇸🇮 podedovati

🇮🇸 erfa

🇰🇿 мұраға қалу

🇬🇪 მემკვიდრეობით მიღება

🇦🇿 miras almaq

🇲🇽 heredar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,072, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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