Inherit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inherit
[ɪnˈhɛrɪt ]
Definitions
family
Receive something as a result of the death of the previous holder.
Synonyms
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.
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| receive |
Used in a general sense for getting something, which can be a physical object, information, or even an experience, without necessarily implying effort.
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| obtain |
Used when something is gained, received, or acquired, often suggesting that some action or effort was needed.
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| acquire |
Used when you get something through your own efforts, purchase, or gain, often suggesting a process or effort involved.
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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.
qualities
Derive (a quality, characteristic, or predisposition) genetically from one's parents or ancestors.
Synonyms
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.
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| derive |
Suggests obtaining something from a specific source, highlighting the origin of the obtained item or knowledge.
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| 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.
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| acquire |
Refers to obtaining or gaining something, usually through effort, purchase, or some process.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'inherit'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'inherit' originated from the Latin word 'inheritare', which means 'to appoint as heir' or 'to receive by inheritance'. The concept of inheritance has been a fundamental part of human societies for centuries, with the passing down of property, titles, and traits from one generation to the next. In modern times, inheritance can also refer to the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.
See also: disinherit, inheritance, inherited, inheritor, inheritrix.