Inherited: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about items or traits passed down from parents or ancestors.

• She inherited her grandmother's jewelry.
• John inherited a strong work ethic from his father.

Appropriate when describing the act of being given something, generally with little effort from the receiver.

• She was pleased to receive a gift from her friend.
• I often receive letters from my family.

Used in formal contexts to describe the act of getting something, usually through effort.

• They managed to obtain permission to build on the land.
• She obtained a degree in biology.

Suitable when talking about gaining or obtaining something, often through effort, learning, or experience.

• Over the years, Sarah managed to acquire several useful skills.
• He hopes to acquire a new car next year.

Used when something is passed down from parents or ancestors, often referring to genetic traits, money, or property.

• She inherited her grandmother's old house in the country.
• He inherited his father’s green eyes.

Implies obtaining something through effort, purchase, or learning. Often used in a business, educational, or personal growth context.

• She managed to acquire a new skill during the course.
• The company plans to acquire more assets this year.

A general term for receiving or obtaining something. Informal and widely applicable in everyday conversations.

• Can you get me a glass of water?
• He got a new job last week.

Describes the act of giving something important to the next generation, such as traditions, heirlooms, or knowledge.

• Family recipes are often passed down from generation to generation.
• She hopes to pass down her love for reading to her children.

Used to describe receiving something, like property or money, as a result of someone's death, often from family.

• She inherited a house from her grandparents
• He inherited his father's blue eyes

Typically used when you get something through your efforts, buying, or learning, often something valuable or useful.

• He acquired a new language skill
• They acquired a new company last month

Used to indicate obtaining something, usually non-material, such as knowledge, skills or weight, often as a result of effort.

• She gained a lot of experience working there
• He gained five pounds over the holidays